Merton Hanks on KNBR: 49ers QB Brian Hoyer will need support to win

Brian Hoyer is not seen as a long-term solution at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Whether that is fair or not, it is the consensus opinion. Even while speaking to Bay Area media on Thursday, Hoyer had to address the question of how he feels about being viewed as a bridge quarterback in 2017 and all of the talk surrounding Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, who could become a free agent in 2018.

"All I can do is play this season," Hoyer said. "That's what we have in front of us, the 2017 season. And I know from being in this league it's about what have you done lately, so one whole year can change a lot of aspects on how people think about things."

On Thursday, former 49ers safety Merton Hanks joined the "Gary & Larry" show on KNBR to share his thoughts on Hoyer as the starting quarterback in San Francisco.

"He's going to understand the offense," Hanks said of Hoyer. "He's going to be able to run your offense. He's going to be able to run your team. He's not going to be a guy that can carry your team to victory. That's where the supporting components really will have to step forward. The Carlos Hydes of the world really will have to step forward. The Vance McDonalds of the world, they will really have to step forward to help him until the 49ers can address the quarterback position with a long-term talent. But I think he can hold the fort but don't expect him to go out and win games for you."

Hanks did mention that, at least for this season, Hoyer is one of the few players on the current roster who does not have to look over his shoulder and worry about potentially losing his starting job.

You can listen to the entire interview on KNBR.

Hoyer recently joined "NFL Live" on ESPN, where he was also asked about Cousins and the view of him being a temporary solution in San Francisco. His answer then was similar to his answer to Bay Area media on Thursday.

"Look, this is 2017," Hoyer said. "Kirk is going to be in Washington. I'm going to be in San Francisco. That's really all you can worry about. You can control what you can control and go out there and do the best you can. I think that's the one thing of this tumultuous career that I've had. You've had some highs and some lows. You know, don't worry about things you can't control because it really doesn't do you any good."

The 49ers signed Hoyer to a two-year contract on the first day of free agency. He immediately became the presumptive starter for San Francisco even after the team added Hoyer's Chicago Bears teammate Matt Barkley and rookies C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens.

Hoyer, an eight-year veteran, started 13 games while current 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was the offensive coordinator for a season (2014) in Cleveland. That season, Hoyer passed for a career-high 3,326 yards, completing 55.3-percent of his passes and throwing 12 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions. Over the past three seasons, Hoyer has passed for 7,377 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions through 31 games.

49ers players reported to training camp on Thursday and the team's first practice will take place on Friday at 10 a.m.