49ers on Wednesday: Garoppolo not practicing, Lance gets valuable reps ahead of Cardinals showdown

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has been pleased with what he's seen from Trey Lance during these first two organized team activities (OTAs) practices. The third-year quarterback entered last season as the team's starting quarterback. An ankle injury during Week 2 ended that. Now fully recovered, Lance is looking to prove himself to his coaches. The former No. 3 overall pick has taken all of the first-team reps during these two practices. However, Shanahan warns not to read too much into that. "It'll even out," Shanahan said. "We'll make sure to get that right." A reporter was already asking another question when Shanahan interrupted him to clear up a potential misconception about "first-team reps." "And the first-team is kind of funny because

The San Francisco 49ers saw significant success in 2023, despite a slow start to the season and multiple midseason quarterback changes due to injury, forcing seventh-round rookie Brock Purdy into action. A crucial part of that formula? Christian McCaffrey, who instantly elevated the 49ers' offense upon his arrival via trade at the midseason mark. McCaffrey changed the outlook of the offense, creating a more efficient offense on the ground, but more importantly, changing the dynamics of the 49ers' passing attack with his presence out of the backfield. Additionally, McCaffrey made the pace of the game easier for both veteran Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Brock Purdy, as the 49ers' offense averaged over 30 points per game since the running back was fully

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead joined NFL Network's Good Morning Football on Thursday to discuss the state of the team at the start of organized team activities (OTAs). Armstead is part of a defensive line that includes NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa and added former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. The question that had to be asked: Does San Francisco own the best defensive line in football? "Well, on paper, I guess you could say that, but 'on paper' doesn't win any game," Armstead responded. "But we're excited about getting together and starting that journey of

It's premature to draw conclusions about a quarterback based on practices in May. That is especially true when you do so based on one practice. The San Francisco 49ers started organized team activities (OTAs) this week, and all eyes were on Trey Lance and Sam Darnold. The two players are battling for that QB2 job behind last season's rookie sensation, Brock Purdy. One could even start Week 1 if Purdy is not healthy enough to do so himself. Lance is coming off a season-ending ankle injury but looks completely healthy now. Darnold is trying to turn his career around after never living up to his high draft status. Matt Barrows of The Athletic was on hand for Tuesday's practice, the only one open to reporters so far, and one that Barrows describes as a