Things are trending towards Lance starting on Sunday against the Houston Texans. His last start came in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. That was also the last time he threw a football in a game.
Reporters haven't been allowed to speak with Lance since October. That changed on Friday, when the rookie quarterback was part of the team's post-practice press conferences. It gave reporters a chance to finally ask what areas Lance feels he has improved in recent weeks.
"I think all around," Lance shared during the Zoom session. "It was a long time ago that I played. It seems like a long time ago, the Cardinals game. But all around. I've gotten to see Jimmy [Garoppolo] go though different situations, whether it's in games or in practices. Also having Nate Sudfeld in the room is a huge help for me, just to have another person to bounce ideas off, to ask questions to. And Jimmy also has always been there to answer my questions."
Lance has dealt with a couple of injuries this season. He suffered a finger injury before Week 1 and then emerged from his Week 5 start with a knee sprain. The young quarterback is completely healthy now, though.
"From a health standpoint, I think I feel probably the most healthy I've felt since I've been here," Lance shared. "But yeah, getting more reps, getting to see things like how Jimmy prepares in a short week, last Thursday. Things like that that would have been really hard for me, just as a rookie with no vets in the room, I think those things have helped me a ton this year."
Lance has taken all of the starter reps in practice this week with Garoppolo dealing with a thumb injury. Before that, he worked primarily on the scout team, emulating opposing quarterbacks.
"I was Justin Fields when we played Chicago," Lance said. "Obviously, he can move. Then I went to play Kirk [Cousins]. I think I gain a lot from both of those. Obviously, I think our D-line is really good, so I appreciate it when I can play kind of how I play, and be off-schedule. But when I'm emulating for the defense a quarterback that doesn't move necessarily a lot, and doesn't play off-schedule, I think there's things that I gain from that, for sure. I get used to making different throws that I don't necessarily see myself making. But at the same time, it's good to get those reps."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Kyle Shanahan defends 49ers' offensive line: "I think our line has played at a very high level these last few years"
The San Francisco 49ers' offensive line hasn't allowed a sack in the first two games of the season, making them the only team in the NFL to open the year without giving up one. And Kyle Shanahan isn't surprised. The 49ers head coach has long placed a premium on continuity... -
Kyle Shanahan shares where Brock Purdy has grown most as 49ers quarterback
Brock Purdy has already accomplished quite a bit in his young NFL career. Since taking over as the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback late in the 2022 season, Purdy has consistently played at a high level. He's set 49ers passing records, made the Pro Bowl, and came... -
49ers fan has had enough of these tired football clichés
The season is underway, and some fans like some broadcasters; others dislike the same ones. Troy Aikman is one some hope will call the game, while others can't stand the sound of his voice. Cris Collinsworth. Tom Brady. And some of those calling the second-tier games are better... -
49ers injury update: WR Mike Evans is considered day-to-day, says Ian Rapoport
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans is considered day-to-day with a rib strain. That's good news for the 49ers' receiving corps, especially since the injury initially seemed more serious based on Evans' reaction. Mike Evans is...