Following the recent announcement that Sam Darnold will be the second-string quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, Trey Lance’s future with the team has become uncertain.
Lance was notably absent from practice on Wednesday, sparking speculation about his status with the team.
The 49ers’ head coach, Kyle Shanahan, confirmed that it was his decision to give Lance the day off.
He explained that the move was intended to give Lance some time to clear his head, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of his journey with the 49ers or in the NFL.
NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported earlier in the day that Darnold, who was signed this offseason, would serve as Brock Purdy’s backup. This decision pushes Lance, who the 49ers invested heavily in to draft, to the No. 3 spot.
Despite this demotion, Shanahan believes that Lance, who is still only 23 years old, has a promising future in the league.
The 49ers had trade discussions surrounding Lance this offseason, and these are expected to continue in light of recent developments. If Lance is traded, Brandon Allen, who has received praise from Shanahan, would likely step into the QB3 role.
Lance’s absence from practice and the ongoing trade discussions have cast a shadow over his future with the 49ers.
However, Shanahan’s comments suggest that Lance’s journey in the NFL is far from over, whether that continues in San Francisco or elsewhere.
