49ers: George Kittle on Trey Lance: "He's having fun"
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle offered insight into what is going right for Trey Lance.
Trey Lance is having fun.
At least that is what the San Francisco 49ers' tight end wants everyone to know.
"He looks like he is having fun," Kittle said on Tuesday. "I am not going to lie to you, he looks significantly better than last year."
Much has been discussed regarding the Lance situation. He was injured in Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season. Then, late in the season, rookie quarterback Brock Purdy took over and led the Niners to a deep playoff run that was derailed by injuries in the NFC Championship game.
Lance, after healing from an ankle injury, was then also sidelined by a finger injury that lingered longer than it should have.
Once healthy, however, Lance worked with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who after the workout, said he "thinks the world" of Lance.
And recently in organized team activities, Lance has been wowing the entire 49ers staff with his improved throwing mechanics and footwork, According to David Lombardi and Matt Barrows of The Athletic.
“Getting to know Trey and watching his film from previous years, I see a lot of improvement in his overall mechanics. What stands out is his footwork,” passing game specialist Klint Kubiak said. “And I think that’s stuff that (quarterbacks coach) Brian (Griese) and (assistant quarterbacks coach) Klay (Kubiak) definitely have worked on. He just seems really comfortable with what you’re asking him to do. I love how his feet have progressed at this point of his career.”
Kubiak added: "And we’re asking him to master the tempo, asking him to match his feet with each play. And I think that’s a tough thing to do. And with him going into Year 3 in this system, he has a lot of knowledge of what Kyle’s asking from him. You can tell that he’s put the work in."
Lance has potential. It is why he was drafted. But San Francisco has a quarterback problem: They have more than one. If Purdy is healthy, he clearly has the inside track to being the team's starter. Then there is the Sam Darnold situation. The Niners have always liked Darnold, and the team believes that given stability, he can still be a good quarterback.
But right now, at the very least, Lance is having fun. And to Kittle, that is what matters.
Feature image via Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports.
