Kyle Shanahan makes definitive call on 49ers QB competition
While Trey Lance's preseason struggles have been the talk of the town, the San Francisco 49ers remain extremely confident in their quarterback room — namely due to the presence of Brock Purdy.
Speaking with Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer on Tuesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan all but cemented Purdy as the team's starting quarterback for the 2023 season.
Shanahan claimed it "took about three games last season" for him to realize that the 2022 Mr. Irrelevant was the man for the job under center.
By the sound of it, that sentiment has not wavered.
"He's been [the starter] since last year ended," Shanahan said of Purdy. "He was always clearly our starter, but there were so many questions about his injury, how he'd come back from it, that we didn't even know if he'd be ready for this year, so we had to prepare for everything else."
On Monday, Purdy had practice restrictions lifted after beginning training camp on a pitch count. Working his way back from UCL surgery in his right elbow, the Iowa State product looks well on his way to being ready for the Niners season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Shanahan expressed confidence in Lance and free-agent signing Sam Darnold while speaking with Breer but made it clear that their competition is with one another and not with Purdy.
"But like I told them, like I've said to media, like I said to everyone since Day 1, based on what Brock did on tape last year, it's hard to beat that out in practice," he stated.
Lance drew the start in San Francisco's preseason opener. The former No. 3 overall pick completed 10-of-15 passes for 112 yards and one touchdown. However, he struggled in his read progression, leading to two-near interceptions from Las Vegas Raiders defenders. He also took four sacks on the evening.
Darnold, perceived as a dark horse to push Purdy for the starting gig at some point in the season, appears to have a leg up on Lance for the No. 2 job.
A 55-game career starter, Darnold completed 5-of-8 passes for 84 yards. His 37-yard completion to Ronnie Bell flashed the type of arm talent that has evaded the quarterback position in San Francisco throughout the Jimmy Garrappolo era and into last season.
Purdy's play towards the latter end of 2022 has rightfully given him the first crack at locking down the starting job. However, don't be surprised if Darnold comes knocking on the door at some point this season, pushing Purdy for snaps.
As for Lance, the once-perceived quarterback of the future for the Niners appears to be on the outside looking in at this point and could become trade bait as we inch closer to the start of the regular season.
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