Before the start of the 2022 NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers made it clear that they would be moving forward with second-year quarterback Trey Lance as the team’s starter, even with veteran Jimmy Garoppolo still on the roster. But now, it looks like Lance is going to have to battle for the starting quarterback job yet again.
After injuries to both Trey Lance and Garoppolo, it was rookie quarterback Brock Purdy who led the team down the stretch to an NFC Championship game appearance. And once he’s healthy after suffering an injury in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, it sounds like Lance expects an open quarterback competition.
During an appearance on the Rich Eisen show, Lance was asked if he was ever reassured that he would be the starter next season. He revealed that he was never given that assurance and that he prefers it that way.
"It was hard… ups and downs throughout the year."
Loved this honest chat with @49ers QB @treylance09 on how this season was for him, his rehab and the coming competition with @brockpurdy13:#NFL #FTTB #SBLVII pic.twitter.com/QVXD7s4ZwA
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) February 8, 2023
“Brock played way too well,” Lance said. “And Brock played at such a high level and handled everything the right way. I wouldn’t want it to be a situation where I’m just handed something.”
They’re very honest comments, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it on Twitter.
This really speaks to Trey Lance’s character post-injury.
Lance went to Shanahan, asked if he could help contribute in any way possible.
Lance said he broke down base downs, then pressures and helped any we he could. pic.twitter.com/MEW72ZmsIX
— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) February 8, 2023
How can anyone not root for this guy. Open and honest conversation. If he stays healthy, 2023 will be a special year for @treylance09 #49ers pic.twitter.com/6ZsPBg1Que
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) February 9, 2023
No matter who wins the starting job between Trey and Brock, one thing is very clear – both guys are terrific people and I will always root for each one of them.
Trey says all the right things here and I 100% believe his comment to be genuine. Mad respect for the young man. https://t.co/H0klmjOMZP
— G V (@gv49ers) February 8, 2023
This was very mature and a very impressive interview by Trey Lance! https://t.co/Emh3tMQ6Ni
— Marco Martinez (@marco_mart1205) February 8, 2023
Some good answers from Trey Lance that he knows if he’s going to be the #49ers starter again it’s a job he’s going to have to win back. #FTTB pic.twitter.com/k420csHAJw
— Joe Hughes (@VegasJoeHughes) February 8, 2023
Classy interview from Trey Lance. What you want to hear from a quarterback.#49wz https://t.co/B0G66r4lJ3
— Rohan Chakravarthi (@RohanChakrav) February 8, 2023
Lance said that he doesn’t need any promises and doesn’t expect to be guaranteed the starting job, but he just wants a chance to compete.
“Everyone saw what Brock did,” Lance said. “Brock doesn’t just come in and play that well, and I just get handed something out of the blue. And I don’t expect that or want that, but I truly believe, yeah, I just want an opportunity to compete. That’s all I wanted going into this offseason.”
It’s shaping up to be quite a quarterback controversy in San Francisco.
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