The 49ers insist that there isn't a quarterback competition, but the play on the field may suggest otherwise.
Rookie quarterback Trey Lance has been nothing short of impressive throughout OTAs and now seven days of training camp practice.
Highlight reel plays from the rookie have gone viral online, and each day more and more support is thrown behind the idea of Lance starting out of the gate.
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NFL Media's Greg Rosenthal is starting to believe that Lance is on schedule to potentially start Week 1 of the regular season.
"This month is about whether Lance develops quickly enough to start Week 1 and nothing else," Rosenthal wrote Thursday morning. "All reports indicate he's on schedule or ahead of it."
The 49ers have been adamant that veteran QB Jimmy Garoppolo is (and will be) the team's starting quaterback to begin the season. Having to answer questions about Lance and Garoppolo daily, coach Kyle Shanahan has toed the line between praising the rookie and throwing his support behind his veteran starter.
With preseason action set to begin next weekend for the 49ers, Lance will get his first real taste of NFL action.
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"Whether Garoppolo starts in Week 1 or not likely depends on Lance's preseason," Rosenthal added. "If the rookie can transfer his early practice success to the games, Garoppolo shapes up as the most expensive backup in football. At this stage, that strategy makes more sense than trading him."
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"Entering the season with both Lance and Garoppolo offers them the best chance to make it to the finish line without having to play backups Nate Sudfeld or Josh Rosen," Rosenthal adds. "Just don't be surprised if Garoppolo is the backup in this equation as early as Week 1."
Whether Lance truly has a shot to claim the starting job by Week 1 remains to be seen. For now, the hype will only grow if the 21-year-old is able to perform well in preseason action these next few weeks.