The San Francisco 49ers‘ quarterback controversy is centered around incumbent starter Brock Purdy and Trey Lance, but there is now a third face in that picture.
The team brought in Sam Darnold, whom many felt would simply provide depth and insurance at the position, but some have speculated that he may start for a period of time while Purdy recovers from elbow surgery or even win the starting spot outright.
Darnold was seen getting some work in during San Francisco’s OTAs.
Sam Darnold during warm-up drills.pic.twitter.com/NTLdvN4yFz
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) May 23, 2023
Darnold, a California native, was a big star in college at the University of Southern California, where he threw for 7,229 yards and 57 touchdowns in two seasons on the field.
He was the No. 3 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, but he has been a disappointment and some would say even a bust in his five NFL seasons.
Darnold has completed only 59.7 percent of his pass attempts while throwing almost as many interceptions (55) as touchdowns (61) since entering the league.
Still, the Niners have some solid insurance under center in case they have another rash of injuries at the position, as they had in 2022.
Lance, who began the season as their starter, suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2, and Jimmy Garoppolo, who replaced him at QB1, then injured his foot in Week 13.
Purdy then tore the UCL in his throwing elbow early in the NFC Championship Game versus the Philadelphia Eagles.
NEXT:
Kyle Shanahan Gives Injury Update On Brock Purdy
