Despite the small sample size from the soon-to-be-second-year quarterback, ESPN's Booger McFarland sounds very concerned about Lance—and possibly Kyle Shanahan's and John Lynch's jobs.
"Of all the rookie quarterbacks last year, I am the most concerned about Trey Lance, and that includes Justin Fields," McFarland said on ESPN's NFL Live (h/t Alek Arend of The Spun). "I just think, from an injury standpoint, he didn't prove he can stay healthy. From a quarterback standpoint, I didn't see enough to say, 'You know what? We can build around X, Y, Z.'"
The 49ers are expected to part ways with last year's starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, ushering in the Lance era in Santa Clara. The 21-year-old player entered the NFL with limited experience, having started just 17 games during his collegiate career and playing in just one game in the 15 months leading to the draft.
San Francisco drafted Lance on potential, opting to sit the quarterback for most of the season, with Garoppolo serving as his mentor. While it was a development path that worked for the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes, the decision was questioned by many.
Lance entered the season with a finger injury. In addition, he suffered a knee sprain during his first start. However, he wasn't the only rookie quarterback who dealt with injuries this past season. Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields dealt with a groin injury and cracked ribs. New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson missed four games because of a PCL sprain.
"I know Marcus [Spears] loves the athletic component," McFarland continued. "He's built physically, but those attributes got him hurt this year. I am terribly concerned about him, but if he doesn't pan out, Kyle Shanahan and/or John Lynch won't have a job because they went to Jed York and 49ers ownership and said, 'Hey, this is our guy.' So, he has to pan out. But I am truly, truly concerned about Trey Lance."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Why the 49ers have no quarterback debate
Monday night, as I was about to order my Panda Express dinner before the game, the man in front of me asked if I thought quarterback Brock Purdy was good and how he compared to Mac Jones. He was a Patriots fan who felt Mac had gotten a raw deal in New England, but I told him... -
Why the 49ers can't underestimate Philip Rivers in clash with Colts
The San Francisco 49ers defense will face Philip Rivers on Monday night. The 44-year-old recently came out of retirement to sign with the Indianapolis Colts following Daniel Jones' season-ending injury. The 49ers know Rivers well. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and the front office... -
49ers mailbag: What's up with Jordan Elliott's knee? Can SF stop Jonathan Taylor? What's on the 49ers' list for Santa?
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for the final push toward the 2025 postseason. How far they will be able to go will depend on their health and how many young players perform. Especially since some are reserves who are playing for injured players. We opened the 49ers... -
Kyle Shanahan evaluates Caleb Williams ahead of 49ers-Bears showdown
The San Francisco 49ers are facing the Chicago Bears for the second straight year. In 2024, head coach Kyle Shanahan's squad came away with a dominant 38-13 victory at Levi's Stadium, and aim to repeat that success on Sunday night as they continue their push toward the...