As with many predicaments in NFL football, the 49ers’ quarterback situation could become more clear due to an injury.
The 49ers recently revealed that starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has a thumb injury, and though the team says it’s a sprain, reports that it’s more serious have surfaced. If Garoppolo misses any time at all, the No. 3 selection in this year’s NFL Draft, QB Trey Lance, would take over and make just his second start of the season.
But according to Dr. Nirav Pandya, as quoted by Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, Garoppolo’s injury, if it’s as serious as some think, could keep him out several weeks.
Though the team characterized the injury as a sprain, ESPN reported Garoppolo suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (located in the lower thumb) and a fracture. Dr. Nirav Pandya, the associate professor of UCSF orthopedic surgery, said that surgery to repair such an injury involves a recovery timeline of four to six weeks.
Pandya was skeptical Garoppolo could play effectively through the injury if a brace was used to support his thumb. The UCL is key for stability and grip strength.
Eric Branch/San Francisco Chronicle
With many NFL observers clamoring for Lance after Garoppolo’s lackluster performance in the 49ers’ loss to the Titans last week, the timing of this injury is wild. It’s been fair to wonder why the 49ers moved up in the NFL Draft to select Lance, with Garoppolo hanging on to his job all season, through good times and bad.
But ideally for coach Kyle Shanahan, Lance takes his opportunity and never looks back. He’s supposed to be the 49ers quarterback of the future, and he has a golden opportunity to be the man of the present, too. Even if Garopolo is out a single game, Lance can stake his claim to the starting spot. Because that’s when he’s supposed to do as the No. 3 pick.
Now, we sit back and we wait. Is the Trey Lance era about to begin in San Francisco? I’ve got my popcorn ready, and I’m sure that you do, too.
UPDATE:
MORE: Groppolo will need surgery postseason, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
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