The situation is disappointing for Lance, who finally had an opportunity to gain a significant number of in-game reps, something he has lacked over the last couple of seasons. COVID protocols shortened his 2020 campaign at North Dakota State to one game. Lance started only two games last season as an NFL rookie, with a few plays sprinkled in here and there in other games.
Lance's 2022 season ended in less than five full quarters.
For Garoppolo, this is an opportunity to prove his worth. There was no trade market for the veteran quarterback after he underwent shoulder surgery on March 8, leading to a one-year contract restructure to remain with San Francisco. Now, the unfortunate injury to Lance has thrust Garoppolo back into the starting lineup.
Garoppolo's former teammate and mentor in New England, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, shared his thoughts on the 49ers' quarterback situation.
"[I'm] obviously very sorry for Trey," Brady said via the Let's Go! podcast, per Ali Thanawalla of NBC Sports Bay Area. "And I've followed that all offseason with Jimmy, you know, kind of in his rehab and I've known Jimmy so well. I've known Jimmy since he was a rookie and Jimmy and I have been friends a long time. And just seeing him, how he's handled kind of his own adversity, is really gonna prepare him for what's ahead. It's interesting in the NFL, you know, when one door closes I think another one opens.
"I think Jimmy and everyone was set on him being somewhere else. And the reality is they found a place where they could agree on something that worked for both parties and sure enough the first game at it, Jimmy's out there playing with Trey getting injured. And as tough as it is for Trey to get injured, Jimmy steps in there and does a great job. So I think everyone is probably pretty happy with how things turned out from Jimmy's standpoint. Obviously not with Trey and the injury. But things have a crazy way of working out. … You never know when that opportunity's gonna present itself and when you get it, you gotta go out and take advantage of it. So I was really happy for Jimmy to go in there and do a great job yesterday."
Garoppolo and Brady will have a reunion later this season. The two are set to face each other on December 11 when the Buccaneers visit Levi's Stadium for a Week 14 matchup.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers announce roster moves ahead of game in Atlanta, activate WR Christian Kirk from IR
On Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers announced the following roster moves ahead of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons: Activated WR Christian Kirk from the injured reserve list Elevated LB Jalen Graham from the team's practice squad (standard elevation) Elevated DE... -
49ers safety Malik Mustapha still playing with chip on his shoulder
Malik Mustapha has come a long way since his days as an overlooked high school football player. But even now, as a safety for the undefeated San Francisco 49ers, he hasn't forgotten where he started or the people who doubted he could make it. Mustapha was a zero-star recruit... -
Kyle Shanahan didn't expect 49ers' defense to be this good this soon
The San Francisco 49ers entered the 2026 season with plenty of questions on defense. They had a new defensive coordinator in Raheem Morris, a new scheme to learn, and a defensive line that was expected to need time to find its footing. Then the injuries started piling up. The... -
Kyle Shanahan reveals the highest compliment he can give 49ers QB Brock Purdy
What's the highest compliment San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan can give to his quarterback, Brock Purdy? Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area sat down with Shanahan on Friday and discussed Purdy's importance to the offense, particularly with the 49ers dealing with...