Football can be an extremely cruel game. The 49ers were given an unnecessary reminder of that Sunday when quarterback Trey Lance was lost for the season with a fractured ankle in their win over the Seahawks.
After all the excitement around what Lance could become in the 49er offense, San Francisco never really got a proper look at the man they selected last year to be their franchise quarterback beginning in the 2022 season.
Now, they have to swiftly turn the page with Jimmy Garoppolo, with the move to keep him around as the backup suddenly looking very astute.
But how does the injury impact the 49ers’ expectations, Lance’s development, and San Francisco’s long-term plan at the game’s most important position?