San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan isn't ready to officially announce his Week 1 starting quarterback. However, he promises that announcement will come sometime before kickoff against the Detroit Lions.
Rookie quarterback Trey Lance had a slow start in tonight's preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he finished strong and ended up throwing two touchdown passes. But, was it enough to close the gap with Jimmy Garoppolo, who is slated to be the team's starter this season?
It doesn't sound like it. Maybe.
Shanahan was asked if anything has happened in the first two preseason games to change the plan for the season opener or to create an actual quarterback competition between Garoppolo and Lance.
"No, I haven't seen that," Shanahan said. "I mean, I would love for it to be more and more each week, but I think the situation is pretty similar right now."
Shanahan was asked point-blank if he would declare tonight that Garoppolo will be the Week 1 starter.
"No, I'm not making that announcement," Shanahan responded. "Nice try, though."
When will that announcement come?
"Whenever I feel like it," Shanahan said with a smile and a slight laugh. "Not tonight."
One thing is for certain. The 49ers' Week 1 starter will for sure be known by 10 a.m. PT on September 12. Until then, anything is possible.