The San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback situation has been solid on the field but problematic off the field.
49ers quarterback Trey Lance, who began the 2022 season as a starter, underwent a second round of surgery on Friday for a surgically repaired ankle, according to sources familiar with the situation. is going well and Lance is on the road to recovery.
Lance was recently spotted on crutches, which is expected to last about two weeks. According to sources, the second procedure does not appear to affect his ability to prepare for the 2023 season.
“San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance underwent successful right ankle surgery yesterday,” the 49ers confirmed in a statement to NFL.com on Saturday. “The second surgery was done to remove the hardware that was inserted in the first surgery in September.
“Due to the location of the fracture, the placement of the required hardware was near the tendons in Lance’s ankle. During the rehabilitation process, it was found that their proximity caused inflammation in the ankle. After consulting with multiple experts, a decision was made: the hardware was removed to prevent future ankle problems.
“Lance continues the rehabilitation process and is expected to return to OTA with a full recovery.”
As has been the case since December 11, Brock Purdy has his perfect record starting Sunday’s game against the 49ers’ Raiders. Despite losing Jimmy Garoppolo to a broken leg against the Dolphins, the 49ers haven’t lost.
Lance was declared out of the season in late September after he fractured his fibula and tore a deltoid and adhesion ligament that required surgery. Lance faced his four to six months of recovery, which means March at the latest.
As for Garoppolo, he’s taken off his walking boots, but sources say he hasn’t fully walked yet. Unsurprisingly, he is far from being able to play. If the 49ers win, he could serve as backup for the NFC title fight on January 29 and Super Bowl LVII on February 12.
These decisions are weeks away under the best of circumstances.