Jimmy Garoppolo will start for 49ers in Week 7 with Trey Lance sidelined by knee injury
The San Francisco 49ers are turning back to Jimmy Garoppolo with Trey Lance injured. Garoppolo will get the start in Week 7 after Lance was ruled out due to a knee injury.
The team announced the news Friday. Both players are dealing with injuries, but Garoppolo was able to put in limited work throughout the week. He was taken off the injury report Friday, a sign Garoppolo is close to 100 percent.
Lance injured his knee during his Week 5 start. The 49ers were on bye in Week 6, but that wasn't enough time for Lance to recover. He has not returned to practice since the injury, and was ruled out for the team's game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
Trey Lance also has been officially ruled out of Sunday night’s game vs. Indy. https://t.co/Qy1p7ClZ0U
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 22, 2021
Lance assumed the starting role after Garoppolo injured his calf during the team's Week 4 game. Garoppolo was ruled out for the team's Week 5 matchup, paving the way for Lance to make his first start in the NFL.
Who will start for 49ers moving forward?
Garoppolo's return to the starting lineup puts the 49ers in a difficult spot. Garoppolo was only removed as the team's starter due to injury. He didn't technically lose his job.
If Garoppolo plays well in Week 7 and leads the team to a win, it's possible he'll continue to start even when Lance is fully healthy.
Lance didn't light the world on fire in his first start, completing 51.7 percent of his passes and throwing for 192 yards. He did not throw any touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals, but did throw an interception in the 17-10 loss. In Lance's defense, the Cardinals are the only undefeated team left in the NFL.
Garoppolo's return allows the 49ers to move back to the veteran without upsetting their future at the position. At the same time, the 49ers drafted Lance because they weren't pleased with Garoppolo's production.
Once Lance gets healthy, the team will be forced into a decision. Do they go with the Garoppolo hoping the veteran can get them wins, or do they turn things over to the rookie to see how quickly he can learn on the job?
