Once again, the San Francisco 49ers have a quarterback controversy as they approach a new NFL season.
Brock Purdy, the incumbent starter, is apparently on schedule in his recovery from a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, but it is not a certainty he will be ready for Week 1 in September.
If he isn’t ready, either Trey Lance or free-agent signing Sam Darnold will start under center.
The Athletic’s David Lombardi dispelled the notion that the 49ers, as a result, have a gaping hole at the position.
Saying the 49ers “don’t have a quarterback” is comically incorrect.
They’re returning one of the NFL’s highest-rated passers from 2022 and seem to be in good position to again have the league’s best backup QB situation.
SF has questions at QB, yes, but they’re not empty there
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) July 12, 2023
Purdy was the last player chosen in the 2022 NFL Draft, and thus when he took over as San Francisco’s QB1 when Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 13, many figured the team was in trouble.
But Purdy played very well the rest of the way, and his numbers as a starter even rivaled those of almost any other QB1 in the league.
The 49ers ended the regular season with a 10-game winning streak, and they didn’t lose another game until Purdy suffered his injury in the NFC Championship Game versus the Philadelphia Eagles.
Lance, who is entering his third season, is thought to have lots of potential, but he hasn’t shown nearly as much production or polish as Purdy during his brief stints under center.
Darnold, meanwhile, has had a very disappointing pro career thus far after being a big star at the University of Southern California.
If the Niners figure out their QB situation, they should have a great shot at finally winning their sixth Super Bowl championship this winter.
NEXT:
49ers Insider Reveals How Sam Darnold Is Set Up For Success