Return of the Empire: Trey Lance is the odd man out for the 49ers
Aug 24, 2023, 12:00 PM

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The 49ers bounced back Week 2 of the preseason, deafening the Broncos, 21-20, thanks to the play of quarterback Trey Lance. But less than a week later, the team decided it wasn’t enough.
On the latest edition of the Return of the Empire podcast, Amil Fragoso and Nate Littlefield recap the 49ers’ second preseason game against the Denver Broncos. The guys break down San Francisco’s comeback against the Raiders, how starter Brock Purdy looked in his return to game action, and who stood out on the the day. Plus, a live reaction to the news that Sam Darnold is the team’s QB2 over Trey Lance this season.
“I mean, it was a hell of a battle. They were neck and neck for a long time but just really over these last ten days we felt Sam started to separate himself,” coach Kyle Shanahan said on KNBR Wednesday. “We felt he did it in practice consistently and he’s been getting better each day. Trey made it real tight and made it tough. It wasn’t an easy decision for us.”
All that & much more on the Return of the Empire.

Topics Discussed:
- Nate’s thoughts on the 49ers defeating the Broncos
- Who impressed Week 2 of the preseason?
- Brock Purdy’s return to the field
- Why is Purdy able to execute better than the other QBs?
- Is WR Ronnie Bell a lock to make the roster?
- Thoughts on Trey Lance’s fourth-quarter comeback
- Was that best performance of Lance’s young career?
- Could the rookie linebackers push for a starting spot?
- Live Reaction to the news of Sam Darnold being named the backup QB
Click here to view the most recent podcast.
The Return of the Empire podcast is a San Francisco 49ers podcast hosted by beat writer Amiliano Fragoso and producer Nate Littlefield for Sactown Sports 1140.
Click here for more episodes of the Return of the Empire podcast.