No one outside of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch knew what the team's decision-makers were thinking. Schefter repeatedly made that clear.
One of the criticisms of Lance was the former Bison's inexperience. The 49ers kept Jimmy Garoppolo, and the plan is for the veteran to be the team's starter for the upcoming season. If Lance doesn't play, that means the rookie will have missed nearly the entirety of two consecutive seasons, with his last in-game action being in a non-conference game on October 3.
The Niners don't seem worried about the lack of playing time. In fact, they feel their newest quarterback may be more prepared to play than most think.
"Here's the other ironic part, is that they believe that Trey Lance is closer to playing this season than Mac Jones was," Schefter said on the Underdogapalooza podcast with Josh Norris and others. "Like, a lot of people thought, 'Whoa, Mac Jones is smart. He's ready to play right away.' Actually, the 49ers felt that Trey Lance was ahead of where Mac Jones was and that he is more ready to play.
"People have these certain perceptions, and the Niners felt that Trey Lance was the smartest quarterback in this draft and the most ready to play right away. Now, we'll see how this plays out, right?"
While Garoppolo is expected to be the starter in 2021, Shanahan would welcome competition between the two quarterbacks.
"I want Jimmy to be here, and I want this kid to be brought along," Shanahan told reporters last week after the 49ers drafted Lance. "I want to see how he does. And if it turns into a competition, it turns into a competition. I'd be excited about that, if he showed he was ready for it and stuff."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers work out four linebackers ahead of Commanders game
According to the NFL transaction report, the San Francisco 49ers worked out four linebackers on Wednesday as they prepare for Monday night's matchup against the Washington Commanders. The players who worked out were: Eugene Asante Jamon Johnson Kobe King Anfernee Orji The... -
49ers vs. Seahawks: 5 Players to Watch in Crucial NFC West Clash
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos 24-14 last Sunday, marking four straight wins. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel and running back Christian McCaffrey each scored. Quarterback Brock Purdy finished with two touchdown passes, including a late tight-end screen to... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan explains why Mike Evans is a matchup nightmare
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans brings more to the offense than his ability to win contested catches. His size and physicality create problems for defensive backs. But his performance against the Denver Broncos showed how much he's willing to endure to help his... -
49ers Position Grades Reveal Strengths and Weaknesses at 4-0
The San Francisco 49ers remain one of three unbeaten teams after four weeks. Their schedule has been formidable, but also favorable. They opened the season overseas with a dominant win over a prohibitive Super Bowl favorite, then won three straight at home, culminating in a win...