The good news is that Lance is expected to be fine for organized team activities during the upcoming offseason.
"Due to the location of the fracture, the required hardware placement was close to a tendon in Lance's ankle," the 49ers said via a statement. "During the rehab process, their close proximity proved to cause irritation in his ankle. After consulting with multiple experts, the decision was made to have the hardware removed to prevent future issues in the ankle.
"Lance will continue his rehab process and is expected to make a full recovery and return for OTA's."
Lance suffered his initial injury on September 18, in the 49ers' Week 2 game against the Seattle Seahawks. The quarterback underwent season-ending surgery the next day at Stanford Hospital, where doctors repaired two injuries to his ankle, a fibula fracture and ligament disruption.
San Francisco made Lance the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He entered this season as the starter, with Jimmy Garoppolo as his backup. Garoppolo suffered a broken foot during Week 13, leaving the 49ers with seventh-round draft pick Brock Purdy as the starter.
The 49ers have clinched a playoff spot and won eight consecutive games, including the past four with Purdy at the helm of the offense (three starts and most of the Week 13 game against the Miami Dolphins).
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