49ers QB Trey Lance vows to 'be back better than ever' after season-ending surgery
The San Francisco 49ers confirmed earlier on Monday that starting quarterback Trey Lance had gone under the knife regarding the broken right ankle he suffered during Sunday's 27-7 win over the Seattle Seahawks that ended his season in fewer than two whole games.
Lance has since taken to Twitter to offer an update on his mindset coming off the disappointing news.
"Truly appreciate all of the messages and prayers," the 22-year-old tweeted. "Surgery was a success and I am ready to attack this rehab process. We will never understand why, but I trust that it’s all a part of His plan. I will be back better than ever. This chapter is going to make the story even greater!"
Lance also shared a Bible verse:
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan named Lance his QB1 over veteran Jimmy Garoppolo at the start of training camp, but the third overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft had an outing to forget in the Week 1 loss at the Chicago Bears back on Sept. 11. He completed only 13-of-28 pass attempts for 164 yards with no touchdowns and an interception to go along with 54 rushing yards on 13 carries against Chicago. In total, he went 15-for-31 with 194 passing yards, no touchdowns and one interception this season before his injury, and he rushed for 67 yards on 16 carries.
"Surgery was performed to repair two injuries to Lance's ankle, a fibula fracture and ligament disruption," the 49ers said about Lance on Monday afternoon. "Lance will start the rehab process, and head team physician Dr. Tim McAdams is confident that he will recover completely in time for a full return in the 2023 season."
Garoppolo is in a contract year after agreeing to a pay cut to stay with the 49ers ahead of Week 1. He completed 13-of-21 passes for 154 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions and also added a rushing score in the victory over Seattle.
It's been reported that some members of the Los Angeles Rams believe the 49ers are better with Garoppolo in the lineup over Lance, and it's also been said that some San Francisco players and coaches feel the same way about the signal-caller, who has started two conference championship contests and a Super Bowl while with the Niners.
Garoppolo and the 1-1 49ers will play at the 1-1 Denver Broncos this coming Sunday night.
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