What happens if San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Trey Lance shocks the NFL world with a strong performance today against the Arizona Cardinals and Jimmy Garoppolo (calf) is healthy heading into Week 7 after the bye?
Nothing, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (h/t to Alex Didion of NBC Sports).
The job will reportedly still belong to Garoppolo, no matter what happens this afternoon at State Farm Stadium.
"San Francisco has been very clear that, not just this week—although, they were clear this week as well, really, ever since Trey Lance was drafted No. 3 [overall] when the 49ers traded all the way up—this is Jimmy Garoppolo's job," Rapoport said this morning. "Trey Lance is not, from what I understand, expected to hold on to the job regardless of what happens today.
"If Jimmy Garoppolo is healthy next week, it is going to be his job. That is something that Kyle Shanahan has been consistent about. Trey Lance cannot win the job today.
"That said, they are very excited about -- optimistic about the kind of start that Trey Lance is going to put on the field. He's a different quarterback than Jimmy Garoppolo, much more dynamic, much more athletic."
From @GameDay Kickoff: #49ers rookie QB Trey Lance gets the start, but it could be for just one week as entrenched starter Jimmy Garoppolo nears a return. pic.twitter.com/iu9QLaRnYF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 10, 2021
If Lance has an impressive first NFL start, manages to lead the 49ers to a victory over the undefeated Cardinals, and isn't the starter for Week 7, it will be interesting to see how fans react.
For now, it looks like this may just be an opportunity for Lance to gain more in-game reps. Rapoport sounds confident that the starting job will remain Garoppolo's when he is healthy enough to return.
