It sounds like the 49ers are leaning toward Sam Darnold to be the starter for Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters following Wednesday’s practice in Santa Clara and gave a brief outlook on what to expect this weekend. Trey Lance started last week’s preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders before Darnold took over to begin the second half. It sounds like that script will be flipped for Saturday.
“Not set in stone,” Shanahan said. “What I said last week – we wanted Trey to get the majority of the first half so Sam could get the next week. That’s what we’re planning on, we’ll see how the next two practices before we decide for sure.”
According to Shanahan, Lance and Darnold are still “competing” for the QB2 role behind Brock Purdy, who has been cleared to practice three straight days after taking off-days in the first three weeks of camp. Shanahan said he’s not sure if Purdy will get some snaps on Saturday.
“I haven’t decided yet with all the starters,” Shanahan said.
Considering that Purdy could likely get the starting nod for the preseason finale, last week’s rusty cameo by Lance might be the biggest spurt of playing time he gets this fall, barring an injury to Brock.
For now, Shanahan said Purdy looks to be recovered from his elbow surgery in March.
“I know what he’s capable of doing,” Shanahan said. “Showed us that last year and he’s already showing us that this year. I just see us working with the same guy right now. He’s healthy to me, there’s not much difference. I think there’s still a pitch count, but nothing looks different to our eyes at all. He’s healthy.”
Lance went 10-of-15 for 112 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, but looked indecisive and had two potential interceptions dropped by the Raiders defense. The former No. 3 overall pick has become a punching bag for national media lately, as analysts like ESPN’s Marcus Spears recently declared the 49ers using three first-rounders and a third-rounder to move up and take Lance as one of the worst trades in league history.
Shanahan said that Lance doesn’t seem affected by the outside noise.
“Just goes with the territory,” Shanahan said. “It goes with being a quarterback. It goes with it for anybody who’s a high draft pick, but especially a quarterback. … Trey is extremely smart and very socially aware. He knows how the world works. So, he does his best and I think he does a damn good job of trying to block that out and focus on getting better.”
The 49ers are also expecting fourth-string QB Brandon Allen to rejoin the team soon after his wife gave birth to a child earlier this week and he missed Wednesday’s practice.
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