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49ers Plan to Use Both Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance in Games, John Lynch Says
August 27, 2021
Even though the San Francisco 49ers haven't publicly named a starting quarterback, they remain steadfast in their plan to play both Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance during the regular season.
Appearing on KNBR's Murph and Mac (h/t David Bonilla of 49ersWebzone.com), 49ers general manager John Lynch said the team is hiding its cards during the preseason to make things difficult for opposing coaches once the real games start.
"We haven't shown a lot in the preseason, as well, in terms of the things we can do with both Trey and Jimmy," he said. "But that's not only for us. That's leaguewide. You really don't know, going into the first couple of games, what you're going to see."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has already said Garoppolo and Lance will play during the regular season.
"Trey's going to play for us this year. I know you guys are all running to Twitter on that," Shanahan told reporters Aug. 6. "Situationally, he's going to get plays. That doesn't mean that he's going to be the starter or anything, but he's going to get plays, and you've got to prepare him for that every way possible."
Garoppolo has started each of San Francisco's two preseason games. He has thrown only nine passes, completing six for 41 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception.
Lance has received extensive playing time, completing 13 of 28 attempts for 230 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
Shanahan told reporters Wednesday that he has "a pretty good idea" who the starter will be in Week 1 but that he didn't want to say anything publicly.
Garoppolo may have spoiled the announcement with this reaction:
Garoppolo is the incumbent. He has led the team to a 22-8 record in 30 starts since 2017, but injuries have been an issue for the 29-year-old. The Eastern Illinois product missed 13 games in 2018 with a torn ACL and 10 games last season with an ankle injury.
The Niners traded up in the 2021 NFL draft to select Lance with the No. 3 pick. He is going to be their quarterback when the time comes.
For now, though, opposing defenses can expect to prepare for Garoppolo and Lance.
San Francisco will open the regular season Sept. 12 at the Detroit Lions.