The San Francisco 49ers have made a surprising announcement regarding their quarterback depth chart. Sam Darnold, the former New York Jets and Carolina Panthers quarterback, has been named the 49ers' QB2 for the upcoming season, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. This comes as a shock to many, as Darnold was not expected to beat out Trey Lance, the highly-touted rookie whom the 49ers traded up to select in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
This decision raises questions about Lance's future with the team, as he is now listed as the third-string quarterback on the depth chart. Reports indicate that San Francisco is exploring options for the third-year QB, and Lance was notably absent from 49ers practice on Wednesday.
The decision to name Darnold as the backup to starting quarterback Brock Purdy was based on his strong showing during offseason workouts, where he impressed coaches with his performance in minicamps and OTAs. Meanwhile, Lance and Darnold have been in a heated competition for the backup role throughout the preseason.
The 49ers' quarterback situation has been a topic of discussion since Purdy suffered a UCL injury in his right elbow during the 2022 NFC Championship Game. After losing Jimmy Garoppolo to free agency, the 49ers added QB depth to ensure they were covered in case of an injury. However, Purdy has since been cleared for action and will start Week 1 against the Steelers, having completed his rehab ahead of schedule.
The announcement that Darnold will be the QB2 is a surprising development, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for Lance with the team. As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on the 49ers' quarterback situation to see how it plays out.
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