Things have certainly changed over the past year.
Garoppolo is with the Las Vegas Raiders, and Lance is battling Sam Darnold for the QB2 job. Now, Purdy is the starter. What happened? It all started in Week 2 when Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Then Garoppolo went down in Week 13, opening the door for Purdy to grab hold of the starting role.
Despite suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow in the NFC Championship Game, Purdy never let go.
On Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that his starters were unlikely to see action in the 49ers' first preseason game, Sunday's matchup against the Raiders. That's because the two teams will hold joint practices together on Thursday and Friday.
"Usually, when we go scrimmage against guys, I rarely play our starters (in the game)," Shanahan said. "That's usually my plan going into it because I'm a little more into the practices than the games. But I've changed my mind a couple of times, too, based off how those practices go. Usually, that's the plan, but we'll see how these practices go."
The coach doubted Purdy would play on Sunday but left the door open for the recovering quarterback to appear in another preseason game. That means Lance will have an opportunity to prove he's greatly improved since the 49ers made him the No. 3 overall pick in 2021.
In Eric Edholm's recent NFL power rankings for NFL.com, the writer has the 49ers listed at No. 3, with only the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles ranked higher. He believes the focus will be on Lance this preseason.
"Preseason games will draw many eyes to Trey Lance as his career hits an early flashpoint, with Brock Purdy working his way back from elbow surgery and Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen in the mix," wrote Edholm. "The 49ers figure to be extra cautious with Purdy until the regular season starts. A year ago, Mr. Irrelevant was on the outside looking in, out-snapping Lance and Nate Sudfeld in pursuit of a roster spot. Now the tables have turned. Lance figures to get ample preseason run, and stacking some strong performances could help regain trust if he's called on when games count."
Lance naysayers will also note that a strong preseason from the young quarterback could help the 49ers. He might attract some interest from other teams, who might be willing to trade for Lance, leaving San Francisco with Purdy, Darnold, and Brandon Allen.
If that's the case, the 49ers must decide what is more valuable. Is it an improved Lance or the draft picks they might recoup for the third-year quarterback?
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers in Week 7 power rankings: 'There's no question they're the best team'
The San Francisco 49ers survived a scare Monday night, holding off a Washington Commanders comeback to secure a 23-17 win at Levi's Stadium and improve to 6-0. The 49ers face a short week before traveling to take on the Atlanta Falcons, their final opponent before the bye... -
49ers' Brock Purdy Becomes the NFL's All-Time Highest-Rated Passer
With a six yard pass completion to Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy made NFL history Monday night against the Washington Commanders. The play marked his 1,500th career pass attempt, officially qualifying him for the NFL's all-time career passer... -
49ers' John Lynch explains why the pass rush has improved in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers recorded an NFL-low 20 sacks in 2025, six fewer than the next-lowest total, posted by the New York Jets. Defensive end Nick Bosa has not played since Week 2 this season, raising concerns that his absence could similarly affect the 49ers' pass rush. Bosa... -
John Lynch reveals why the 49ers excel with late-round draft picks
The San Francisco 49ers have relied on young players more than expected in recent seasons, largely because injuries have reduced the roster's depth. Two defensive rookies, linebacker Jaden Dugger and defensive tackle Gracen Halton, have seen their roles grow, potentially...