49ers’ Sam Darnold wins No. 2 quarterback job, Trey Lance could be on move

The 49ers are going with Sam Darnold as their top backup to Brock Purdy, thus putting Trey Lance’s future in limbo rather than keep him as the No. 3 option

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Trey Lance’s tumultuous tenure with the 49ers reached a watershed moment on Wednesday, one that was somewhat predictable but still stunning.

Lance did not attend Wednesday’s practice after losing out to Sam Darnold for the No. 2 job behind starting quarterback Brock Purdy, according to a league source.

The 49ers did not make coach Kyle Shanahan or general manager John Lynch available for comment; Shanahan is scheduled to appear on KNBR, the team’s flagship radio station, later Wednesday. The station released some of Shanahan’s interview audio earlier on Wednesday, with Shanahan explaining some of his reasoning for the decision.

“This isn’t something where we’re giving up on Trey,” Shanahan told Tom Tolbert and Adam Copeland of KNBR. “This is more like how Brock played in his seven games, which was decided before the season began.” Then there was Sam’s appearance. They both looked good, but we have to make a decision here, and you only get so many reps at it, and we feel like, starting about 10 days ago, [Sam] really separated himself, and we have to keep it real in that way.”

Shanahan and Lynch stood side by side as practice began, watching Purdy, Darnold, and potential third-string veteran Brandon Allen warm up with throws to running backs, only two seasons after drafting Lance No. 3 overall via a large trade package.

“I’m afraid I don’t know much about the situation.” “Totally honest,” said linebacker Fred Warner. “When I arrived at practice, I noticed there were only three quarterbacks, and Trey wasn’t there.” So, I’m trying to find out what’s going on. Right now, there is no clear answer.”

Darnold’s promotion to No. 2 was first reported by NFL Network about an hour before practice. The 49ers play the Los Angeles Chargers in their final preseason game on Friday at 7 p.m. at Levi’s Stadium.

Darnold has made 56 career starts for the Jets and Panthers, totaling 61 touchdowns and 55 interceptions. He has impressed during training camp and preseason with consistent play while learning Shanahan’s offense since signing with the 49ers in March.

Warner described it as “weird” to see only three quarterbacks on the field, without Lance. “Obviously, I love Trey,” Warner said. “I have no idea what’s going on with him right now or what’s going to happen next.” But, yes, we need to keep preparing, get ready for a game on Friday, and prepare for Pittsburgh (in the season opener).”

Shanahan said on Tuesday that he would consider rotating the top backup to Purdy, who has made an incredible recovery from March elbow surgery to retain the starting role he thrived in last season. But, less than 24 hours later, this decision was made, putting Lance’s future with the team in jeopardy — even though Shanahan would prefer Lance stay.

“I really hope, when it’s all said and done, that all three of these guys are here,” Shanahan said on KNBR. “You never know when something like that will come up.” Last year, we needed four men. It doesn’t happen often, but having Trey as an option here would make me very happy.”

Darnold’s arm talent, according to Warner, is “insane” and “there’s a reason he was drafted as high as he was in 18.”

Darnold was the third overall pick in 2018, as was Lance in 2021.

Allen has been the No. 4 quarterback throughout camp, and his first 11-on-11 snaps since the Aug. 13 preseason opener came on Wednesday. Because he is an eighth-year veteran, Allen is not subject to waivers and can re-sign with the 49ers at any time if he does not make the team’s initial 53-man roster on Tuesday.

Two quarterback jobs have been cleared up around the league in recent days, with the Washington Commanders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers naming Sam Howell and Baker Mayfield as their season-opening starters, respectively. The Cincinnati Bengals are going through preseason without Joe Burrow (calf). There are no other starting positions available, so Lance would presumably be acquired as a backup. Shanahan stated that the 49ers will “always try to do the right thing by Trey.”

“If there’s a better situation that his heart’s in and something like that, we’re going to make sure not to do something that hurts him in that way,” Shanahan told KNBR. “That’s stuff I talked to him about this morning, stuff I’ll talk to him about tonight, stuff I’ll keep talking to him about.” But Trey knows how I feel about him, and I hope he is able to come here because it is the best thing for him. But first, we must determine what is the best option from now until then.”

If the Miami Dolphins (Mike McDaniel) and Houston Texans (DeMeco Ryans) are looking for an upgrade to back up their projected starters in Tua Tagovailoa and C.J. Stroud, respectively, Lance could reunite with former 49ers coordinators who are now head coaches.

Lance, 23, was the 49ers’ season-opening starter last year before breaking his ankle in the home opener, forcing Jimmy Garoppolo and, eventually, Purdy to take over. Lance delivered a fourth-quarter comeback win in Saturday night’s 21-20 preseason win over the Denver Broncos, but he struggled before that fantastic finish, not just in that game, but also in the preseason opener in Las Vegas.

Lance did not miss a single practice during the offseason program or training camp, at least not until Wednesday’s pivotal moment in his troubled NFL career.

To move up from No. 12 and select Lance, the 49ers traded three first-round picks (2021, 2022, and 2023) as well as a compensatory third-round pick in 2021.

Lance has thrown 102 passes in regular-season action with the 49ers, resulting in 56 completions, five touchdowns, and three interceptions after attempting 318 passes at North Dakota State.

Injuries hampered his development more than any coaching or personnel changes could. He broke a finger in the 2021 preseason finale, then sprained a knee in his first career start against Arizona on Oct. 10, 2021, with 16 carries and 15 completions. Lance earned a Week 16 start against the Tennessee Titans as part of the 2021 49ers’ playoff push. Lance and the 49ers were defeated at Chicago in last season’s rainy opener, and he was injured the following week, requiring two procedures to repair an ankle that resulted in no further setbacks this offseason.

Shanahan still believes in Lance, but admits that the last two years have influenced his decision.

“I believe he’ll have a lot of success in this league,” Shanahan told KNBR. “It’s been a difficult road for him because every time he got an opportunity, he got hurt and missed that window.” And now he finds himself in this situation.”

Throughout camp, each quarterback’s reps were recorded.

Purdy completed his first 10 passes of practice on Wednesday, then a pass-interference penalty ruined a pass to Juaun Jennings for the only incompletion on Purdy’s 13 throws, the best of which was a 40-yard strike down the sideline to George Kittle. Darnold finished 4-of-9 with a dropped pass and a near-interception by Tre Swilling.

CRAMPS AT BANKS

After losing 14 pounds in Monday’s humid practice, left guard Aaron Banks left Tuesday’s practice due to cramps. “It’s really difficult to replenish all that weight and not cramp up in practice the next day,” offensive coordinator Chris Foerster said.

Banks, who excelled as a first-year starter last season, is viewed by Foerster as performing better in games than in practice, which is unusual for linemen. “He’s in fantastic shape. “His weight has remained stable,” Foerster said. “He gets worn down and dirty in practice, but he’s always fresh and ready to go in games.” “I’m very pleased with his performance in camp and preseason.”

SWING-TACKLE CONTEST

When it comes to the 49ers’ offensive tackle positions, there is “great” competition for who will back up All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams and right tackle Colton McKivitz, who will replace Mike McGlinchey. Jaylon Moore, Matt Pryor, and Leroy Watson IV are competing for the swing-tackle position.

Moore suffered a bruised knee three weeks ago, which has hampered him. Pryor has made strides in practice and conditioning his 6-foot-7, 332-pound frame in recent weeks. At the University of Texas-San Antonio, Watson was a tight end.

“Don’t count Leroy Watson out,” Foerster advised. “He’s a young, developing player who hasn’t seen much offensive line action.” He has a more difficult learning curve. He has a lot of talent and ability, but he’s still a long way away.”

DENIED ROGER CRAIG

Roger Craig, the 49ers’ dual-threat running back and an NFL pioneer, was once again denied induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was one of 12 senior candidates who were discussed on Tuesday. The three most likely finalists for 2024 are: Randy Gradishar is a linebacker. Steve McMichael is a defensive tackle. Art Powell is a wide receiver.

Craig was a three-time Super Bowl champion with the 49ers (1983-90), a four-time Pro Bowler, and the first player in 1985 to produce 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in a season, a feat only matched since then by Marshall Faulk (1999) and Christian McCaffrey (2019). Craig was a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist in 2010 and 2020 before joining the pool of seniors.

Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young are the only offensive players from any of the 49ers’ five Super Bowl championship teams to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Linebacker Patrick Willis, a two-time finalist who will be in his fifth year of eligibility, could be the next Niner inducted into The Hall of Fame next year. Semifinalists are expected to be announced in three months.

Wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, running backs Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell, cornerback Ambry Thomas, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, kicker Jake Moody, linebacker Oren Burks (knee), and safeties Talanoa Hufanga, Tashaun Gipson, and George Odum were among those who did not practice in the 87-degree heat.