It will be the Trey Lance show at Levi's Stadium on Sunday afternoon. While widely expected, that became official when the San Francisco 49ers announced their inactive players against the Houston Texans 90 minutes before kickoff. Among those names is starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who suffered a torn ligament and chipped bone in his right thumb during Week 16's loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Garoppolo could not participate in the 49ers' four practices this past week, leading to the team listing the veteran quarterback as "doubtful" for Week 17.
Lance is making his second career start and first since Week 5's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Sunday will be the rookie quarterback's first start at home. Lance dealt with a finger injury at the start of the season and emerged from that Week 5 contest with a knee sprain.
"From a health standpoint, I think I feel probably the most healthy I've felt since I've been here," Lance shared on Friday.
San Francisco made Lance the No. 3 overall pick after trading up to select the former North Dakota State quarterback. He has completed 25 of 48 pass attempts for 354 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception this season.
"I think Trey's looked good," tight end George Kittle said this past week. "The last couple months, I think there's been a huge improvement. Everything you guys saw in camp, I think he's been way better than that. He just looks more mature in the pocket."
The 49ers are fighting for a playoff spot. The team enters Week 17 as the sixth seed in the NFC playoff picture. If they win out, they are guaranteed a playoff berth. This weekend, they can also clinch with a win against the Texans and a New Orleans Saints loss to the Carolina Panthers.
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