After his 2022 season ended prematurely in Week 2 with an ankle injury, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance couldn’t wait to recover from surgery and get back to work.
He had won the starting job before the start of the season over veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, and fans were looking forward to seeing if he could become the franchise’s next great signal-caller.
After a game and change, the results were mixed, as critics weren’t sure he could become an accurate passer, and some felt he needed to improve some of the fundamentals when it came to his passing form.
A recent video appears to show Lance throwing a spiral tighter than before, which would help improve his accuracy.
Here’s the first public video of Trey Lance throwing since his injury.
(IG: prestonsmithphotography)
Has his release tightened up? pic.twitter.com/NL8umuqRsq
—David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) April 6, 2023
Fans seem to feel that the video is evidence that Lance’s form has improved.
Looks less wonky. Looks much tighter- looks to have put on a little lean muscle too.
— Javier Vega (@JavierVeg_) April 6, 2023
Off elbow tight and in, resulting in a more controlled upper body and better release. Seems to be practicing looking off as well. Those are good signs. I’ve been critical but can’t deny this clip at least shows great progress.
—Tony Bertolo (@PaybackTony) April 6, 2023
Less wobble 👀👀
— Leo Luna (@LeoLuna93) April 6, 2023
I don’t know about a tightened release, but that’s arguably the best spiral I’ve ever seen him throw.
—Sograz (@kaforge) April 6, 2023
Lance will likely have an opportunity to regain the QB1 job after Garoppolo himself got injured in Week 13 and gave it up to rookie Brock Purdy, who played brilliantly the rest of the way until he tore the UCL in his throwing elbow during the NFC Championship Game .
Purdy may not be ready for any part of training camp or even Week 1 of the next season, which means Lance will be the man during OTAs and at least the first half of camp this summer.
If he shows significant improvement in his passing accuracy and decision-making, particularly in short-to-intermediate-range passes, and if Purdy’s rehab takes longer than some expect, perhaps he will remain under center for the 49ers for some time.
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First Video Emerges Of Trey Lance Throwing Football After Injury