SANTA CLARA, CA. - Aug. 14: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) watches from the sidelines during the second half of a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance wants to earn the starting quarterback role by merit next season.
The San Francisco 49ers appeared to make Trey Lance the franchise quarterback when they traded up to select him with the No. 3 overall pick of the 2021 NFL draught, but his future is now somewhat uncertain after injuries limited him to just four starts in his first two years in the league. The San Francisco 49ers traded up to select Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick of the 2021 NFL draught.
During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, he talked about the future and the upcoming quarterback competition between Brock Purdy and himself. Lance said, “It wasn’t a situation, and I wouldn’t want it to be that way, Brock played way too well, and Brock played at such a high level and handled himself the right way. I wouldn’t want it to be a situation where I’m just handed something and I feel horrible, obviously, Brock for his injury.”
He added, “But for me, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Whether it’s his, he’s going to be better for it. Mine, I’m going to be better for it. And I’m excited to just get on the field and compete. That’s all I want an opportunity to do.”
Purdy suffered an injury to his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) during the first quarter of the NFC Championship Game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. This injury came after Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo were already sidelined due to injuries they sustained during the regular season. After the backup quarterback, Josh Johnson, received a concussion, he was forced back into the game, but he could hardly throw the ball.
His health is another concern, as is that of Lance, who suffered a season-ending broken ankle in Week 2, bringing an end to his playing career. It is noteworthy that Shanahan informed reporters that he does not “see any scenario” of Garoppolo returning, and as a result, it is possible that Lance will only need to worry about Purdy when it comes to the competition for the quarterback position.
According to Lance, he is unhappy with the manner in which Brock Purdy was injured in the Divisional Round; yet, this may present an excellent opportunity for the former Bison player to start the next season and demonstrate his value in the NFL.
Purdy is scheduled to meet with Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas on February 21, and according to information obtained from sources familiar with the decision, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport stated on Wednesday that Purdy plans to have surgery to repair his ruptured UCL on February 22. This information was obtained from sources who are familiar with the decision.
Purdy suffered an injury to his elbow in the first quarter of the National Football Conference Championship Game, which the Philadelphia Eagles went on to win. The injury occurred when his arm was struck when he was attempting to pass the ball. After Josh Johnson suffered a concussion, Purdy returned to the lineup, but he was unable to distribute the ball effectively, which contributed to the blowout loss that ended the Niners’ season.
Following the tear of Purdy’s ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), the Niners anticipated that he would need a rehabilitation time of six months. After being taken with the last pick in the NFL Draft in 2022, Purdy displayed his talent in Kyle Shanahan’s system by winning his first seven starts and two postseason games before sustaining the injury. Prior to the injury, Purdy also won the last two regular season games.
Purdy and Trey Lance, who was taken third overall in the previous draught, will battle against one another for the starting quarterback position for the 49ers now that it is anticipated that Jimmy Garoppolo will be leaving the organization. It is possible that we will be treated to an entertaining competition for the starting quarterback position if both of the young quarterbacks are able to make it through training camp in decent physical shape.
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