San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance has been making progress. He was on the sidelines during Monday night's game against the Arizona Cardinals in Mexico City. Lance is out of his protective boot and appears to be walking fine just two months after undergoing surgery to repair the damage sustained from the season-ending right ankle injury.
Trey Lance's brother, Bryce, recently shared a video update on the quarterback. Lance can be seen doing some light work, putting pressure on his ankle.
Per Bryce Lance's Snapchat, Trey Lance is doing very well! Looks to be doing light jog work in this rehab video. Putting weight on both ankles fairly nicely! pic.twitter.com/8DoshHEsyj
— Marco Martinez (@marco_mart1205) November 24, 2022
Lance, last year's No. 3 overall pick, is expected to be ready for the 2023 season. He entered this season as the 49ers' starting quarterback but was replaced by Jimmy Garoppolo after going down in Week 2.
Some thought that Lance might be healthy enough to at least return as Garoppolo's backup should the 49ers make a deep playoff run. The 49ers have insisted that Lance's injury was a season-ender since it occurred. However, that hasn't stopped reporters from asking about the possibility.
"I haven't been told there's a chance," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Wednesday. "I think things would have to be pretty drastic. I mean, we weren't expecting that much from the beginning. I think he's right on schedule with everything, but I have not been told there's a chance."
General manager John Lynch acknowledges that Lance is moving well but says a January return might be a stretch.
"I don't see that as a possibility," Lynch said. "He did a number on his ankle. He'll be fine long-term, but that's a big ask to get back this year. We're just really encouraged by the way it's responding and by the way Trey has been working to try to make it as good as possible.
"Trey's doing a great job, going to every meeting, supporting his teammates. He's well-liked. He and Jimmy have a tremendous relationship. Jimmy, when he was the backup, did everything he could to make things as good as possible for Trey, and Trey is doing the same thing in turn."