49ers rookie Trey Lance to return as Jimmy Garoppolo backup vs. Bears

San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Trey Lance was a spectator for last Sunday's 30-18 loss to the Indianapolis Colts because of the knee sprain he suffered earlier this month and ahead of San Francisco's bye. 

According to David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone, Lance was a full participant for Friday's practice session and carries no injury designation heading into Sunday's matchup between the 49ers (2-4) and Chicago Bears (3-4). Lance will serve as the backup for veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who is being kept atop the depth chart by head coach Kyle Shanahan through at least this weekend. 

"I thought he got better each day," Shanahan said of Lance. "I think his first day out there, Wednesday, we gave him some limited reps, but he felt good on Thursday. We pushed him even harder on Thursday. And him coming into today, just talking to him, he didn't have any setbacks, and so I feel good to go with him."

Garoppolo had a rough night against Indianapolis and completed 16-of-27 passes for 181 yards with a touchdown, two interceptions and a lost fumble in the defeat, and his performance caused some to believe Shanahan would go to Lance once the first-year pro was healthy. Lance could theoretically start against the 7-1 Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 7. 

As for the Bears, they will be without star pass-rusher Khalil Mack, who is sidelined with a foot injury.