49ers Trey Lance September 18, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) is carted off the field after an injury against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

It’s never something a team wants to experience but San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Trey Lance suffered an ankle injury early in their game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Lance has already been ruled out of the game as he had to have an air cast placed on his leg and be carted off the field. It was a very disheartening sight as the third year quarterback was finally getting a shot at being the starter.

In his place is a familiar face, former starter Jimmy Garoppolo. After not finding a trade partner over the summer, the 49ers decided to keep Garoppolo while the two sides restructured his contract. The move to keep Jimmy G as a backup might unfortunately be a stroke of genius if Lance is going to be out for an extended period of time.

If that’s the case, this is Garoppolo’s audition to show the NFL what he can do as he is likely to sign elsewhere next season. Garoppolo’s first drive was a perfect 4-for-4 with 70 passing yards and a touchdown.

Anyway, the focus is on Lance as reactions ranged from sending prayers for his health, criticizing head coach Kyle Shanahan for putting him in a spot to get injured, and praising the Niners front office for keeping Garoppolo.

UPDATE: Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Lance is expected to require surgery and his season is likely over.

About Phillip Bupp

Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.

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