49ers QB Trey Lance says he’ll be fully cleared for football in 3-4 weeks
Jan 31, 2023, 12:39 PM | Updated: 12:50 pm
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Trey Lance #5 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Finally some good news for one of the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterbacks Tuesday.
49ers’ QB Trey Lance told reporters Tuesday that he is only three to four weeks away from being fully cleared to return to football. Lance is expected to be the starting QB heading into OTAs in April, and the offseason altogether.
The North Dakota State product has been sidelined since suffering a fractured fibula and ligament tears in his right ankle Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. Undergoing two surgeries to correct the injuries, and remove hardware installed, Lance has been in a orthopedic walking boot for the better part of the last six months.
Hoping he can solidify the No.1 spot on the depth chart, Lance will be 100% healthy for the start of OTAs. Only entering his third NFL season, the young QB had not spoken to head coach Kyle Shanahan about plans when asked Tuesday morning, but expects another offseason filled with speculation at the position.
#49ers Trey Lance says he should be fully cleared in 4 weeks, for start of OTAs in April, has not talked with Shanahan about 2023 QB plan but know it’ll be a media hot topic
His right foot still in an orthopedic boot pic.twitter.com/NS1n782Qgp— Cam Inman (@CamInman) January 31, 2023
“Nah, I haven’t spoke to Kyle yet,” Trey Lance stated Tuesday. “I’m sure it’ll be a whole story again this year for you guys. Super excited for that, but I’m just excited to get back out and compete.”
Meanwhile, fellow QB Brock Purdy also gave an update on his status Tuesday.
Purdy underwent an MRI Monday, revealing a completely torn UCL in his right elbow after injuring it in the the NFC Championship game. Unable to throw the ball more than five yards, his diagnosis shines a little more light as to why that was.
Reports have noted a six-month timeline for Iowa State product if he can avoid Tommy John surgery. If he needs a full reconstruction of his throwing elbow, the layoff could be closer to a full year away from the football field.
#49ers Brock Purdy will have more tests on elbow and just wants to be ready for 2023 season pic.twitter.com/1YiPRD05FC
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) January 31, 2023
“I’ve heard multiple things,” Purdy said. “I think, in that scenario that would be six months ready to go. I think in that scenario, they said after three months you can start throwing and getting into a throwing program and getting into a routine. I think six months would be like when you’re allowed to just go and practice and be a part of everything. But that’s a scenario, I definitely have some other options too. So definitely going to go through these MRI scans and make a decision, hopefully soon.”
Already come to terms with a lengthy recovery, Purdy’s focus is all about being ready for next season.
“I don’t know exactly what the case is going to be yet, final decision. But if that is it, then so be it. I’ll be ready come camp, and honestly, what matters to me most is being able to play for the season. So if that’s the case, then so be it,” Purdy stated.
