Lance happier, in ‘great spot’ ahead of third 49ers season

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Trey Lance has a new, happier outlook as he heads into his third NFL season with the 49ers. The former No. 3 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft spoke to NBC Sports Bay Area for the latest "49ers Talk" while attending George Kittle's Tight End University in Nashville, Tenn., sharing how much happier he is looking ahead to the 2023 season. "Yeah, absolutely," Lance said. "I'm in a great spot physically, mentally and just excited for this year." The North Dakota State product has faced multiple challenges since joining the 49ers, including a broken finger suffered in the preseason of his rookie year. Then, just 16 snaps into Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season while still dealing with the lingering effects of the finger injury, the signal-caller suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Now, finally fully healthy, Lance is ready to show what he is capable of on the field. "I like to play," Lance said. "That's why I came here, so it's definitely hard when I don't get that opportunity, and last year was part of it. Just a bump in the road and I'll be better for it." Lance took advantage of the gathering of tight ends to build chemistry with Kittle and work on his timing....