Lance still expected to start in 2022

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler hears that the 49ers are still planning to start QB Trey Lance this season. QB Jimmy Garoppolo remains of the roster as of now, at least in part because he's still recovering from shoulder surgery. "I'm told that [Lance has] gotten indications, at least informal indications from the team, that he'll be the guy next year. He's set to be that," Fowler said. "Now, whether that means that they would still keep Garoppolo and that could change the dynamic, possibly. But right now, Lance is going to be the starter." We're comfortable drafting as if Lance will be under center for San Francisco this year. And his ADP has actually sunk to QB13 recently, making him a nice value.

49ers QB Trey Lance has made a "substantial jump" this offseason, according to private QBs coach Jeff Christensen. Lance recently worked with Christensen alongside Patrick Mahomes. “I said, ‘Watch this. Watch what he does here,’” Christensen said. “It was something I was telling him to do that he wasn’t quite doing. And then he saw Patrick apply it perfectly. And I think that visual buy-in, that mental buy-in, helped him past that mental hump. And to his credit he just kept getting better." Lance has adjusted his throwing motion and made improvements in accuracy, spin rate, and delivery time, according to Christensen. We'll get a glimpse at the new-look Lance when the 49ers open OTAs this week.

"Several teams" have called the 49ers to check on the availability of QB Trey Lance, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Rapoport adds that San Francisco is not actively shopping Lance and that "no trade is imminent." But it certainly makes sense that there's interest from other teams after the 49ers publicly called QB Brock Purdy the favorite to start in 2023. We continue to believe that there's a good chance that Lance is a Week 1 starter this season -- whether it's for the 49ers or another team.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan stated on Tuesday that he anticipates having QBs Trey Lance and Sam Darnold split first-team reps in practice this offseason, according to David Lombardi of The Athletic. This comment comes on the heels of reports that QB Brock Purdy is the "leader of the clubhouse" in San Francisco, suggesting that Lance's standing on the depth chart is in serious jeopardy. Dynasty managers who roster Lance probably aren't feeling too great right now. There was always a level of understanding that Lance would be a developmental project, especially coming into the NFL with little starting experience at an FCS-level college program at North Dakota State. But now, two years into his career, Lance has four starts under his belt, a severe ankle injury on the mend, and Purdy seems poised to be the starter once he recovers from the elbow injury he sustained in the NFC title game vs. the Eagles. So it wouldn't be fair to characterize Lance as a bust. We don't have enough evidence to suggest he can't be a starter for an NFL team. What we do know, however, is that the odds of that team being the 49ers are beginning to dwindle. Those who feel confident in Lance's potential are looking at a solid buy-low window right now, but it would be best not to be super aggressive in trying to acquire him. We're into some pretty muddy waters with this situation. We'll be sure to keep an eye on this storyline as the spring and summer unfold.

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.

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.