Trey Lance Preseason Debut: What to expect from 49ers Rookie in NFL Preseason Game

Trey Lance Preseason Debut: Trey Lance became the QB of the future after the 49ers drafted the NDSU alum with the 3rd overall pick. And according to HC Shanahan, Lance should see plenty of action against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jimmy Garoppolo is still the starter for the San Francisco 49ers in 2021 and HC Kyle Shanahan believes Lance will probably not take over the job. But with Trey Lance’s amazing OTA’s and Training camp, Shanahan seems to be excited to see the rookie in action.

The pre-season will be of crucial importance for Lance. He started only 17 games at FCS-level North Dakota State and played only one game in a COVID-shortened 2020 season. So his pre season debut will be first first real action in over a year.

The 49ers have been very pleased with what they have seen from Lance so far, reinforcing their strong belief in him from the draft process. He has shown off the strong arm and athleticism that were evident on game film, as well as surprising maturity for someone who didn’t turn 21 until May.

But despite dazzling in practice, Lance still has things to experience. And Saturday will be his first live attempt at getting the play call from the sideline, commanding the huddle, play-clock awareness, taking care of the football, making mid-play decisions in real-time among countless other details.

NFL Preseason Debut: What to expect from Lance’s First NFL Preseason Game

The San Francisco 49ers preseason opener will be all about Trey lance. The 49ers plan to showcase the No. 3 overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft and get him plenty of reps to kickstart his NFL career.

Kyle Shanahan’s plan is to play Garoppolo and the starting offense for one series. After that, it will be Lance’s time to shine, as the 49ers coach confirmed he plans to play Lance “about 30 snaps” with the backup offense.

“I’m just excited to see him play like everyone else is,” Shanahan said of Lance’s debut. “It’s fun to watch quarterbacks go out there for the first time. But I don’t get nervous for the person or anything like that because I think it’s fun to watch. I know no one is going to remember how his first preseason game is, but they will the next day. That’s all right.”

“I’d like to see him playing the game how he’s been in practice,” Shanahan said on. “Nothing seems too big for him. He doesn’t ever seem over-hyped. He seems like the same guy at practice every day. He does a lot of good things. He makes some mistakes, but he doesn’t seem to waver. He comes back the next play and looks like the same guy. I hope I see that in the stadium.”

But Despite the hype, Shanahan hopes Lance will know that the game is still an exhibition.

“I think Trey is going to make the team so he doesn’t have to go out there and freak out about that,” Shanahan joked. “He knows a lot of eyes will be on him. Sometimes those guys want to go out there and make some plays and show everyone what to be excited about. I just always try to tell them, ‘It’s just like practice except they can hit you, so just calm down and just do your job like you try to do every day out here.’ Because that’s what quarterback is going to be every single day of your life until you’re done playing.”

Lance could have a great game but it still won’t affect the San Francisco 49ers starting QB spot. But it will definitely justify San Francisco’s decision to draft him to be their future.

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