The 49ers put captain linebacker Fred Warner in a tough spot Wednesday, as he had to face the media following the team’s decision to pick Sam Darnold over Trey Lance as the QB2.
The news broke shortly before the Niners hit the practice field, as Lance was conspicuously absent from his teammates in Santa Clara. Instead of addressing reporters after the session, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch left Warner for the wolves in a post-practice press conference.
On the latest episode of the 49ers Webzone ‘No Huddle’ podcast, hosts Al Sacco and Brian Renick explained why they are upset with San Francisco’s leadership for making Warner take questions on the quarterback position.
“What I think should happen there, is Lynch and/or Shanahan have to meet the media, and say, ‘This is what happened. Because this isn’t just any backup quarterback. This is where we are.’” Sacco said. “They didn’t do that. They let Fred Warner and (defensive tackle) Javon Hargrave meet the media. Those two guys didn’t know what the hell was going on and they’re up there answering questions about the quarterback position. To me, that was the most gutless, cowardice thing that I could think of. It’s bulls–t. Absolute bulls–t.”
Listen to the full episode for more about the 49ers’ decision with Lance.