San Francisco 49ers QB Trey Lance struggles on his return from ankle surgery as the reigning NFC West champions face key decisions under center
- The San Francisco 49ers were defeated 34-7 by the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday
- Trey Lance endured a difficult day under center as he returned from injury
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Trey Lance seems destined to be in limbo after working toward his long-awaited return for the San Francisco 49ers, who were heavily beaten in the preseason by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The 23-year-old has made just two starts since being selected third overall in the 2021 NFL draft.
An injury ended his first year as the starting quarterback for the franchise, but after nearly a year out, the North Dakota state product was back in action Sunday.
Lance went 10-of-15 for 112 yards and a touchdown during the 49ers’ 34-7 loss to the Raiders. But those numbers only tell part of the story of Lance’s return.
Lance was sacked four times, for a total loss of 18 yards, and the Raiders squandered two golden opportunities for an interception.
Quarterback Trey Lance was working on his long-awaited return for the San Francisco 49ers
The 23-year-old struggled as the 49ers were beaten 34-7 by the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday
Most notable came in the second quarter when Lance threw to the end zone only for the ball to hit Vegas cornerback Duke Shelley.
But Shelley failed to make the catch and the ball bounced out of his hands and straight into the arms of the 49ers tight end Ross Dwelley for a touchdown.
Not long after, Lance was repelled again when his pass was read easily by rookie Amari Burney.
But he also failed to make the catch and the game ended in an incomplete pass.
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan stuck to his plan to give Lance a first-half majority before giving Sam Darnold a chance after halftime.
Lance was sacked four times for a total loss of 18 yards and escaped two possible interceptions
Brock Purdy, 2022 Mr Irrelevant, is poised to be the 49ers’ starting quarterback this season
After being drafted in 2021, Lance spent his first year backing up Jimmy Garoppolo – who is now with the Raiders.
The 23-year-old was promoted to the starting line-up last season, but ended his season in week two due to an ankle problem.
When Garoppolo also got injured, Brock Purdy got a chance under the center. He was the last pick of the 2022 draft, making him Mr Irrelevant.
But the 23-year-old enjoyed a promising rookie season in San Francisco and led the 49ers to the playoffs.
But in January’s NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Purdy suffered a nasty elbow injury. He required surgery, but was cleared to practice as the team’s starter at the start of training camp.