The 2023 season outlook for 49ers quarterback Trey Lance isn’t looking good.
According to multiple reports, the former No. 3 overall draft pick is struggling to start San Francisco training camp.
Taking tertiary reps behind Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold, Lance “really struggled” on Friday — completing just 1-4 pass attempts and missing two “gimmies.”
Brock Purdy already looked much sharper today. Finished 6-11; some impressive strikes downfield. Velocity good.
Sam Darnold 4-7; 2 of the best plays (one to Mitchell in seam, one to Jennings who made a great catch)
Trey Lance really struggled today. 1-4 and blew 2 gimmes
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) July 28, 2023
Lance had the fewest pass attempts compared to Purdy and Darnold. While it’s only training camp, this type of performance could be a serious cause for concern — especially considering Lance was once pegged as the Niners’ franchise quarterback of the future.
Fortunately for San Francisco, they have “Mr. Irrelevant” from the 2022 draft. In his rookie season, Purdy went undefeated in the regular season and likely solidified his spot as QB1 moving forward.
With Darnold, a fellow former No. 3 overall pick, now on the roster, it’s possible that Lance gets bumped all the way down to the third-string spot before the start of the 2023 season.