Niners GM John Lynch on Monday called a healthy QB Brock Purdy "the leader in the clubhouse" for the team's starting job, according to David Lombardi of The Athletic. That stops short of anointing Purdy the starter once his repaired throwing arm is ready. But it's certainly not good for Trey Lance, just two years after the franchise traded quite a bit to move up and draft him third overall. Lynch said Purdy, Lance, and Sam Darnold will compete for the job. And perhaps 49ers leadership is trying to motivate Lance, ahead of his third NFL season. Even if that's the case, though, it wouldn't be a great sign if they think the 23-year-old (this May) needs such motivation. Lance remains a high-ceiling best ball pick in case he does win the job. And we'll see about Purdy's health this summer. But there's also high risk to rostering Lance in formats where you can't replace him once the season starts. Of course, Darnold arriving to Week 1 as the starter would be bad news for everyone.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the 49ers have reached a one-year deal with QB Sam Darnold. The quick signing tells us that San Francisco isn't sure QB Brock Purdy will be ready for the regular season. If the 49ers did expect Purdy's repaired right arm to be all good, then there would seem little reason for them to prioritize a third QB on the open market and little reason for Darnold to sign so quickly. Why settle for a locked-in No. 3 role on the first day of "legal tampering" rather than wait to see what other QB-needier teams might say. Of course, we're betting Trey Lance will open the year as the starter. The fact that Lance remains unproven heading into his third year -- and is coming off his own serious injury -- enhances the upside for Darnold. In addition to Purdy, HC Kyle Shanahan's offense has helped QBs Jimmy Garoppolo, C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens generate good efficiency. Darnold would be interesting for fantasy if pressed into duty. That makes him stashable in deeper dynasty leagues.
49ers QB Brock Purdy's elbow surgery was originally scheduled for February 22 but has been delayed due to swelling in the joint. “Some of the delay and the swelling and all that — it’s not like a typical baseball injury,” GM John Lynch said Tuesday at the Combine. “This was a football injury where there was a lot of force there. So, it just all had to quiet down.” Purdy is now expected to go under the knife "early next week," according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows. The 49ers are still hoping to have Purdy back on the field 6 months after surgery, but Lynch admitted that there are “a variety of time frames.” Either way, this delay makes it unlikely that Purdy is available for training camp -- and more likely that QB Trey Lance opens the 2023 season as San Francisco's starter.
49ers QB Brock Purdy is expected to undergo surgery to repair his torn UCL on February 22, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Purdy is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for training camp, per Rapoport. Still, this is a serious procedure that will cost Purdy the entire offseason program. It's a considerable speed bump after an impressive 8-game run as a rookie. Purdy and QB Trey Lance are expected to duke it out for the starting job this summer, barring a significant addition to the QB room.
49ers QB Trey Lance (ankle) said Tuesday that he'll be fully cleared in 3-4 weeks and will be 100% for OTAs. He's rehabbing a fractured and dislocated ankle that required a 1st surgery in mid-September and a 2nd in late December. It sounds like that process has gone smoothly, though, and that Lance will be a full-go for the offseason program. Although he's entering his 3rd NFL season, he needs all the reps he can get. Lance has made just 4 pro starts after spending just 1 season as a starting QB in high school – and then just 1 full season as North Dakota State’s starter. The fantasy upside remains high here thanks to Lance's rushing ability combined with San Francisco's offensive scheme and weaponry.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that 49ers QB Brock Purdy suffered a complete tear of his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right arm in the aftermath of the NFC Championship. Purdy will reportedly seek 2nd opinions as to whether or not he can avoid reconstructive surgery, more popularly known as Tommy John surgery. Should the rookie end up under the knife for reconstruction, he would stand to miss a considerable amount of time. A repair surgery would reportedly enable Purdy to be ready for activity in time for training camp. Dynasty managers can only hold their breath as we await further updates and the potential ramifications of a prolonged absence.
Update: Both NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter hear that Purdy is expected to be sidelined for about 6 months. That'd have him back for training camp but cost him the entire offseason program.
49ers QB Trey Lance underwent a 2nd surgery on his right ankle on December 30, the team announced. This procedure removed hardware from the initial September surgery that was causing irritation. The 49ers expect Lance to be ready for OTAs. His health and standing on the 49ers' depth chart will be 1 of the bigger storylines of this coming offseason.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero confirms that 49ers QB Trey Lance will miss the rest of the 2022 season after undergoing ankle surgery on Monday morning. Lance suffered a fractured and dislocated ankle, Pelissero reports. It's similar although slightly less severe than the injury Cowboys QB Dak Prescott suffered in October 2020. Prescott was fully cleared for the start of training the following summer and played Week 1, but it's worth remember that he set a career-low in rushing yards per game in 2021. We'll monitor Lance's rehab and hope he quickly regains his mobility.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports 49ers QB Trey Lance suffered a "significant" right ankle injury in the Week 2 win over the Seahawks. Lance is expected to need surgery that will "likely" end his season. You can hang on to him on fantasy rosters until we get official confirmation that Lance's season is over, which figures to come tomorrow. San Francisco will turn back to QB Jimmy Garoppolo, which will mean a significant shift in the offense. The 49ers' pass rate will climb, and there will be more carries to go around since Garoppolo won't be taking many.
49ers QB Trey Lance injured his right leg in the 1st quarter of Sunday's game vs. the Seahawks. He had to be carted off the field and is obviously done for the day. We'll pass along an update when we get one. QB Jimmy Garoppolo has entered for the 'Niners.
49ers TE George Kittle (groin) remained sidelined on Thursday. He's looking like a long shot to play vs. the Seahawks this weekend. That's bad news for QB Trey Lance but good news for Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk's volume.
Niners QB Trey Lance completed just 13 of 28 passes for 164 yards, 0 TDs and 1 INT in Sunday's rain-soaked loss at Chicago. He added 54 yards on 13 rushes, leading the team in both categories. The day presented tough weather conditions, but we can't shrug off the performance entirely. Week 2 should bring a friendlier setup: a home date with Seattle.
Chicago has been hit with heavy rains this morning. It looks like the worst of it will be gone by kickoff of 49ers-Bears, but there will be lingering showers -- and a wet field. The forecast also calls for 15-20 mph winds. Less than ideal scoring conditions, although this looked like a low-scoring game anyways. Expect lots of running from both teams.
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