The hope is that Lance stays healthy, plays well, and Garoppolo remains on the sideline for all of the 2022 season, after the veteran quarterback agreed to a restructured one-year deal with the 49ers, unexpectedly setting up his return for one more season.
Some worry about the message Garoppolo's return sends to San Francisco's second-year quarterback, entering his first season as a full-time starter. It may have been seen as a lack of confidence in the inexperienced 22-year-old. Should Lance struggle, how long will head coach Kyle Shanahan keep Garoppolo on the sideline?
"Look, some people question about whether or not Trey Lance is going to have to look over his shoulder, and he will not," analyst Jim Trotter said on NFL Network. "I can say that based [on what I've heard from] people I've talked to."
It's not just the 49ers' faith in Lance that makes Trotter say that. The team believes in its talented roster. That should help mitigate any stumbles Lance exhibits.
"The other thing that helps Trey Lance in this situation is that defensively, the 49ers are loaded," Trotter continued. "They should be one of the best defenses in the league this season, and therefore, Kyle Shanahan is not going to have to put a lot of pressure on Trey Lance to go out and quote-unquote win games. You can bet that, early in the year, he will ask him essentially to manage these games, make a couple of plays when they need it to be made, and not get in the way of this defense doing what it does.
"So I think the situation is perfect for Trey Lance in terms of his development, in terms of this team still being able to win. Also, by the end of the year, we will see a vastly different quarterback than we see in Week 1."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers reflect on difficult journey to the postseason, look ahead to the playoffs
There have been multiple moments over the past several months where the thought of this San Francisco 49ers team being a number one seed in the playoffs would have seemed far-fetched at best, but that's exactly where they are with two games left to play. The expectations for... -
Why the 49ers can't underestimate Philip Rivers in clash with Colts
The San Francisco 49ers defense will face Philip Rivers on Monday night. The 44-year-old recently came out of retirement to sign with the Indianapolis Colts following Daniel Jones' season-ending injury. The 49ers know Rivers well. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and the front office... -
49ers playoff picture: Where San Francisco stands after win over Colts
The San Francisco 49ers extended their winning streak to five games with a 48-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, building momentum as they head into the postseason. San Francisco had already clinched a playoff berth Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers... -
49ers' Brock Purdy reveals truth about his game-day mindset
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy looks like he's having fun again—and there's a good reason why. The 49ers extended their winning streak to four games on Sunday with a 37-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans, improving to 10-4 and strengthening their playoff...