49ers HC: This is ‘best’ Trey Lance we’ve seen

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

49ers HC on Trey Lance: ‘This is the best we’ve ever seen him’

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 5/19/23

With Brock Purdy presumably sidelined until at least training camp, San Francisco 49ers third-year quarterback Trey Lance has a golden opportunity in front of him — one that former No. 3 overall pick isn’t taking lightly.

According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, Lance showed up to the 49ers offseason program likely the healthiest he’s been since the team drafted him, which bodes well for his chances to hold off Sam Darnold for the team’s No. 1 QB job, at least until Purdy is fully healthy.

“He was able to get such a better base in these last two months that I think Trey is the best that we’ve (seen) him right now,” Shanahan said, via NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco. “Yeah, we got to get into OTAs and practice, but when you watch his feet, his timing, how he’s throwing the ball, he’s in such a better place now than he was last year at this time.”

QB Coach Jeff Christensen said that Trey Lance “Kept Getting Better and Better” during his offseason workouts with Patrick Mahomes. “Every Day was a substantial jump.” #49ers || #FTTB pic.twitter.com/Jhx2OdYU0C
— WayneBreezie (@thewaynebreezie) May 19, 2023

Shanahan disclosed that Lance suffered a fractured index finger in his throwing hand during the 2021 preseason, which hampered his ability to grip the ball and throw it accurately since it did not heal correctly.

That injury, Shanahan stated, forced Lance to alter his grip and spend the entire season throwing the ball with a foreign grip.

“He spent a whole year throwing without a bent finger, which changed everything and shows the toughness of the kid that he never complained about it,” Shanahan said. “He tried to adjust so he could be out there.”

Since Lance has spent the last eight-plus months recovering from a season-ending broken ankle suffered in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks last season, his finger has had plenty of time to heal, as has his ankle.

Lance is expected to compete with Darnold throughout OTAs and training camp for first-team reps while Purdy is recovering from Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow.

While the 49ers still consider Purdy to be the team’s No. 1 QB long term, a well-rested Lance has an opportunity to either play well enough to hold on to his job or, at the very worst, showcase his skills should another team make the 49ers a trade offer good enough to pry the 23-year-old quarterback away from them.

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