There has been some chatter that Trey Lance might return this season after foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Kenneth Jung told the San Francisco Chronicle that the quarterback could fully recover within 10 to 12 weeks.
Kyle Shanahan shut that speculation down on Wednesday. The head coach was asked if Lance might return sooner than the 49ers initially anticipated, as indicated by the article from the San Francisco Chronicle.
"No. He'll be out until next year," Shanahan responded.
A reporter asked if he meant next season, as "next year" could mean the playoffs.
"Next season," Shanahan added. "Thank you. That's what years mean to me."
The coach was asked how Lance was doing after Monday's surgery to repair the damage from his broken ankle.
"He's doing as good as you can," Shanahan shared. "Trey's great. A number of guys have all talked to him a bunch. He's trying to come to the game this week. I don't think he'll be able to until the swelling goes down and stuff like that, but he'll be back as part of us sooner than later."