The San Francisco 49ers have listed starting quarterback Jimmy Garropolo as doubtful with a thumb injury. The news was first reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport Friday afternoon.
“The #49ers list QB Jimmy Garoppolo as doubtful with his thumb injury. He did not practice all week. With the playoffs in view, Trey Lance expected to start.”
-Ian Rapoport on Twitter.
Earlier in the week, it was looking like Garropolo was going to play with several reports indicating he would not miss anytime. Unfortunately for Garropolo and the 49ers, things did not go as planned. That leaves backup quarterback and first-round draft selection Trey Lance to start.
This is a big test for Lance as the 49ers are fighting for a wild card spot in a tight race for the last two spots. They are currently in a good spot but do not have a lot of breathing room to lose games these last two weeks.
Lance started for the 49ers in week 5 in a 10-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He was below average in that game completing 15 of 29 passes for 192 yards. He did not throw any touchdowns and threw one interception. The 49ers will need more from him to keep their playoff hopes at a comfortable level.
Trey Lance played college football at North Dakota State University. He was selected 3rd overall after the 49ers invested a lot of draft capital to move up and select him. While Garropolo is playing at a decent enough level, they will eventually move on to Lance based on how much they invested in drafting him. This could be his big opportunity to take over and never give the keys back. If this happens it will be interesting to see what the market is like for Jimmy Garropolo this upcoming offseason, who is not far removed from taking the 49ers to a Super Bowl.
The 49ers kickoff against the Houston Texans on Sunday at home.
Below is what ourlads.com said of Trey Lance before the NFL.
Third year sophomore entry, one-year starter, Marshall, MN. Lost nearly the entire 2020 season to the Covid-19 pandemic, as NDSU played in just one game. In his one season as a starter, Lance won the Walter Payton Award (top player in FCS), the Jerry Rice Award (top FCS freshman), and the Missouri Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year Award. Led the Bison to a National Championship while going the entire year without throwing an interception. He is the definition of a risky draft pick. Lacks starting experience, and he didn’t have to throw the ball a ton. There is so much unknown here, but nobody can argue against what he actually put out there when on the field. Has an ideal blend of tools and showed really good intelligence. Is advanced on multiple ball handling tactics and his footwork looks natural and easy. Has the upside to be one of the best players in this class at the ultimate position. See full comments on ourlads.com.
