Brock Purdy is coach Kyle Shanahan‘s first-choice quarterback in San Francisco. That became evident last year, when the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft took over late in the season and guided the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game.
But what the 2023 preseason will determine is who comes in for Purdy in the event that the former Iowa State quarterback is injured or otherwise struggling during the upcoming season. All eyes have been on Sam Darnold and Trey Lance, two former top-three draft picks, as their training camp battle now moves over to preseason action.
Lance tosses an unusual touchdown
Lance got the starting nod in San Francisco‘s preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. After three three-and-out drives, the former North Dakota State standout capped off his afternoon with a unique touchdown drive.
Given the camera angle, it was initially thought Lance had thrown an interception on the pass. But after a deflection, the ball landed in the arms of tight end Ross Dwelley.
Lance struggled to evade pressure from the Las Vegas defense, as the 49ers‘ offensive line couldn’t prevent him from being sacked four times. But the 23-year-old ultimately put together an efficient day in his first competitive action since he suffered an ankle injury last September.
Sam Darnold’s response
Lance played the first half at Allegiant Stadium, while former New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold took control of the offense for the second.
Darnold, who played for the Carolina Panthers last season, is trying to get his NFL career back on track. The 26-year-old Orange County native responded almost immediately after halftime, throwing a 40-yard dart to seventh-round draft pick Ronnie Bell.
With two preseason games still to come, the race is very much on between Lance and Darnold — with anyone’s guess as to how the saga resolves itself before Week 1.
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