San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is set to be the Week 1 starter for the 2023 season, as long as he remains healthy. Purdy underwent surgery in March to fix a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. However, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have recently announced that Purdy has been given the green light to practice without any restrictions.
Meanwhile, the battle for the top backup position behind Purdy and Sam Darnold is heating up. Trey Lance, the former No. 3 overall pick, is currently competing for the role. However, analyst Mike Florio predicts that Darnold will ultimately secure the backup position, as the 49ers consider Lance to be an emergency option.
While there have been rumors of a potential trade involving Lance, it is considered a rare scenario in the NFL. As it stands, Brandon Allen is the fourth quarterback on the roster and may fill in as the third quarterback if Lance is traded. The 49ers aim to keep all three quarterbacks on the team due to the potential need for multiple quarterbacks during the season, as they experienced last year.
Florio suggests that there might still be an opportunity for Lance to prove himself if he is thrust into service due to injuries to Purdy or Darnold. The 49ers have a history of quarterback injuries, emphasizing the need for a reliable third option.
In terms of expectations for the 2023 season, legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice has high hopes for the 49ers. He believes that the team has a talented roster capable of winning it all.
With the season quickly approaching, fans are eagerly anticipating Purdy’s return to the field and watching the competition between Lance and Darnold unfold. The 49ers are hoping for a successful and injury-free season as they strive for greatness in the upcoming year.
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