Both quarterbacks remain on the roster with players set to report to training camp in eight days. While all signs indicate Lance being the Week 1 starter, critics have questioned Lance's readiness to take over from Garoppolo.
Lance's teammates have consistently praised the former No. 3 overall pick and seem prepared to enter the season with the 22-year-old leading them.
"He's a lot more mature than people think and/or know," kicker Robbie Gould told Matt Maiocco at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Lake Tahoe. "He's a young kid. I think I started playing in the NFL when he was three, so it makes me feel a little bit older than normal. But I think just the ability for him to be able to run—I think he looks more comfortable in the offense. He's a great leader in the locker room."
Lance started just two games last season, spending most of his rookie campaign as Garoppolo's backup.
Garoppolo has been the 49ers' starter since Week 13 of the 2017 season, following a trade from the New England Patriots. He is a popular locker room presence, well-respected by his likely soon-to-be former teammates.
"Obviously, we all love Jimmy, and it's a business, but at the end of the day, they're making decisions to make the team the best team that they can," Gould continued. "And I think you're going to see Trey Lance take the helm and be ready and more prepared. And he had a chance to sit behind Jimmy and learn last year, which I think is helpful because he didn't just get thrown into the fire. And when he did play, he played pretty well."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Gould below. It begins at about the 24-minute mark.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
John Lynch says 49ers QB Brock Purdy "ready for the moment"
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's opportunity in the NFL first came as a rookie in 2022, when starters Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo were both lost for the season due to injuries. All Purdy did was lead his team on a win streak that took the 49ers to the NFC... -
49ers vs. Colts: Kyle Shanahan says Ricky Pearsall doesn't need practice to play
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall missed his second straight practice this week, with just one remaining, as the team prepares for its Monday night matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Pearsall suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans... -
49ers mailbag: What's up with Jordan Elliott's knee? Can SF stop Jonathan Taylor? What's on the 49ers' list for Santa?
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for the final push toward the 2025 postseason. How far they will be able to go will depend on their health and how many young players perform. Especially since some are reserves who are playing for injured players. We opened the 49ers... -
49ers injury updates: Kittle 'highly unlikely' vs. Bears; Pearsall expected to return
The San Francisco 49ers held out hope that tight end George Kittle would recover in time for Sunday night's Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Kittle suffered an ankle injury against the Indianapolis Colts and did not participate in practice this week. He planned to...