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Trey Lance received four snaps against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. It wasn't a whole lot of experience for the San Francisco 49ers' developing rookie quarterback, but it was better than nothing—a point that head coach Kyle Shanahan made yesterday.
"I think getting a guy any playing time when he's the number two quarterback helps his development more than getting no playing time," Shanahan responded when questioned about whether or not the limited opportunities hurt Lance's development.
Despite the limited in-game snaps, All-Pro tight end George Kittle likes what he's seen from his rookie quarterback. He joined ESPN's Keyshawn, JWill & Max show and was asked what he's seen from Lance that makes him believe the rookie can develop into a great NFL quarterback.
"Just his commitment to getting better every single day," Kittle responded. "He doesn't make the same mistakes twice. He's definitely a rookie, and you see some of those things. But he progresses, and that's what you want to see; just sort of see guys taking steps in the right direction because that leads to great results.
"Trey's definitely [been] doing that since OTAs, taking a lot of steps, and he's definitely got plenty left to learn. But he's got all the intangibles to be a very good player in the NFL."
The 49ers were fortunate to escape Ford Field with a victory on Sunday after a late-game collapse and a surge by the Lions that made things interesting at the end. San Francisco is 1-0. Of course, so is the rest of the NFC West. Each division rival put a lot of good plays on film in their victories, showing just how competitive the NFC West is expected to be this season.
"NFC West, we've got a lot of [good players] out there," Kittle said. "The Cardinals got Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins. You've got Chandler Jones, Budda Baker. The Rams have Aaron Donald. That's pretty good by itself. And the Seahawks are always just bringing it with Russell Wilson. So you've got guys everywhere.
"But at the end of the day, they've got to go against our defense in Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead and Fred Warner. We have a lot of guys who can make a lot of plays, and I think our offense is going to continue to keep rolling.
"The one thing that we do better than I think anyone else in our division is run the damn ball. That's what we're going to continue to do and be violent, be physical every single week."
Featured back Raheem Mostert is expected to miss about eight weeks with a knee injury. Rookie Elijah Mitchell replaced him during Sunday's game and rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
"I think Elijah stepped in and did a great job," Kittle said. "He ran hard. There's a lot of runs that you'll see on tape that should have been like two-yard runs and ended up being like eight- to 12-yard runs. Knowing you have a running back that can take a short run and fall forward for four or five yards, you're doing something right.
"So, we're just going to continue to try to block and open up big holes for him and whoever else is toting the ball."
Silver: New 49ers intel reveals potential Brandon Aiyuk trade still in play
By David Bonilla
Apr 23
When asked about the possibility of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk not being on the San Francisco 49ers roster on Friday morning, general manager John Lynch responded, "I wouldn't anticipate that."
Lynch assured reporters that signing Aiyuk to a long-term extension is a priority, stating, "And our wish is that he's here and a part of the Niners for the rest of his career. We're working through that."
While Lynch didn't elaborate on the conversations occurring behind closed doors, Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that a potential trade remains a
"Thank God for Mr. Irrelevant": John Lynch reflects on 49ers drafting Trey Lance
By David Bonilla
Apr 22
The decision to trade up in the 2021 NFL Draft and select quarterback Trey Lance could have had significant consequences for general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. With the team lacking first-round picks in the last two drafts due to this move, and Lance no longer on the roster after being traded to the Dallas Cowboys before last season, it's clear the gamble didn't unfold as expected.
Lynch held his annual pre-draft press conference on Monday, reflecting on the decision to take such a big chance on Lance. While such a bold move might have jeopardized jobs elsewhere, Lynch and Shanahan were blessed with some good fortune in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Acknowledging the support of the team's ownership, Lynch stated, "They believe in Kyle and I, and our
49ers sign WR Trent Taylor, reuniting with former draft pick
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man
Draft Watch: Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley visiting 49ers on Wednesday
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting several draft prospects this week as the deadline for pre-draft visits draws near. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the team will host former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley on Wednesday.
Corley is expected to be a Day 2 pick. San Francisco owns two selections on Day 2—the No. 63 overall pick in the second round and the No. 94 overall pick in the third round. Currently, the receiver is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks.
Western Kentucky @WKUFootball receiver Malachi Worley
