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is the newest San Francisco 49ers quarterback. He joins a quarterback room that includes third-year passer Trey Lance and second-year player
Brock Purdy. The Niners are Darnold's third NFL team since the New York Jets made him the No. 3 overall pick in 2018. He spent the last two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, appearing in 18 games while starting 17.
Darnold felt that signing with the 49ers was an easy decision. He's excited about the opportunity to work with head coach and play-caller Kyle Shanahan and the other 49ers coaches.
The quarterback steps into a great situation, too. San Francisco undoubtedly has the most talented roster he has ever been a part of.
"Just excited to get started in this organization and get to work," Darnold stated on Thursday, speaking to 49ers reporters for the first time.
Lance and Purdy are attempting to return from serious injuries. Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury on September 18, 2022. Purdy is out about six months after undergoing surgery to repair the tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, an injury sustained in the NFC Championship Game.
"I mean, being in a really good organization was a priority for me, being with really good coaches and really good personnel as well," Darnold shared. "So those were kind of the top things for me. And, yeah, I'm very happy to be here, but understand that [I've] got to continue to work and work hard."
Darnold admits that he is focused only on what he can control. He isn't worried about his role with the team or position on the depth chart just yet. Nor has anything been promised to him.
"I think, for me, it's really coming in here and doing everything that I can to understand the offense," he said. "I know I have my work cut out for me when it comes to that. So I think that's just my focus right now, is doing whatever I can to help this team win games when it comes time to do that, whether that's me being the backup or starting. And that's my mindset."
Have there been conversations with the coaching staff about his role? The uncertainty at quarterback has created an opportunity for Darnold. He admits there are some unknowns with Lance returning from injury and the end of Purdy's recovery timeline coming dangerously close to the start of the regular season.
"I think those are things that, with a good quarterback room, as long as we stick together, and we understand that we just got to work hard and continue to put the best foot forward for each other, that everything's going to work out," Darnold explained. "And I think at the end of the day, as long as we're winning games, that's the only thing that matters to me.
"As I continue to get to know Trey and Brock, and talking to people around the building about those guys, it seems to me that all they care about is winning as well. And obviously, as a competitor, you want to play, but at the end of the day, you got to do what's right for the team.
"You leave those decisions up to Kyle. And we know that he's going to put the best guy out there and do the right thing. We just need to go out there and win."
Darnold hasn't spoken with Lance or Purdy yet, but he is very familiar with their play.
"I feel like all three of us are pretty similar," Darnold said. "We have the ability to get out and make plays when we need to ... and we can also throw from the pocket. So I see a lot of similarities in all three of our games and [I'm] just excited to work with them and meet them as soon as possible."
Darnold is also eager to familiarize himself with Shanahan's system. The veteran quarterback realizes mastering it isn't always easy but knows a quarterback can flourish if they do.
Said Darnold: "I understand there's a lot of different checks, a lot of different shifts, motions, formations, all those things, and I'm very excited about that opportunity to do that and just help this team however I can."
Related News
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch joined KNBR on Friday morning for his weekly radio interview. He was asked about the team's season opener this past weekend in Pittsburgh, a 30-7 win over the Steelers.
It seemed like a near-perfect outing for the Bay Area football team. Still, on Monday morning, head coach Kyle Shanahan was quick to point out the flaws in the rout of the Steelers to his squad.
"We were far from perfect," Lynch said on the "Murph and Mac" show. "I think one of the great things, to beat a good football team handily, and then go back and see that we're not even close to where we can be and where we need to be to play our best ball. That's an encouraging thing, and was real proud of our group.
"I thought Kyle and his staff
Thursday night was a fun one at Levi's Stadium, where the San Francisco 49ers cruised to a 30-12 victory over the visiting New York Giants. It was a night that saw wide receiver Deebo Samuel declare himself as officially out of "awful" mode, running back Christian McCaffrey reach milestones, wide receiver Ronnie Bell create some lasting memories, and -- of all things -- Andrew Luck making a return to an NFL field (in full Civil War costume) to take part in a game of trivia.
Let's recap all that and more in this version of 49ers Notebook.
Not awful anymore
Back in June, Deebo Samuel caught some attention with his honest description of his 2022 performance
The San Francisco 49ers improved to 3-0 on the season after a 30-12 Week 3 win over the New York Giants at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Below are several statistics and notes from Thursday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
With The Win...
San Francisco has started the regular season 3-0 for the first time since 2019 and the 9th time in franchise history.
The 49ers have won back-to-back regular season games against the New York Giants [W, 36-9 at NYG (9/27/20)].
San Francisco has won their home opener for the second-consecutive season.
The Niners improved to 22-21 against the Giants,
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters after the team's 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. He provided injury updates from the game.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was in and out of the game due to a left shoulder injury. A reporter asked if the coach was concerned that the injury could be serious.
"I wouldn't think so," Shanahan responded. "I mean, I know he was hurting a little bit, but he was able to play through it, so I think I'll be all right."
The coach mentioned two other players in his post-game injury report.
"[CB Ambry] Thomas, he had a knee," Shanahan said. "He was in and out. After that, [CB Deommodore
