Quarterback Trey Lance underwent surgery to remove hardware placed in his right ankle during the first surgery in September, the 49ers announced Saturday.
Lance is expected to make a full recovery from Friday’s procedure and return to organized team activities next off-season.
Due to the location of the fracture Lance sustained during a week two game against the Seattle Seahawks, the hardware was near a tendon in Lance’s ankle. During his rehabilitation, it was found that the proximity of the tendon was causing irritation in his ankle, the team said.
After consulting several specialists, “the decision was made to have the hardware removed to avoid future problems in the ankle,” the team said.
Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, started the season as the 49ers’ starting quarterback. He completed 15 of 31 passes for 194 yards and no touchdowns with an interception before suffering the injury.
Jimmy Garoppolo took over as quarterback for 10 games before a broken foot sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Now the season of championship ambitions for the 49ers is in the hands of rookie Brock Purdy, the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
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There’s a lot to speculate about the 49ers’ future at quarterback. It’s definitely going to be a hot topic this offseason, especially if Purdy continues to play well. But for now, the 49ers are hoping Lance fully heals and Purdy properly uses his versatile offensive weapons in a deep playoff run.
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