SANTA CLARA (Calif.) -- It is yet to be determined if Trey Lance, a rookie quarterback for the 49ers of San Francisco, will take over as starting quarterback. He'll be there in some capacity, however.This was evident by the numerous Lance-specific play plays that the Niners have implemented in the first week of training camp. Coach Kyle Shanahan, Niners coach, removed any doubts with his comments following Friday's practice.Shanahan stated, "Trey will play for us this season." "I know that you guys are all going to Twitter for this. He'll get plays, but it is a situation. He won't be the starter, but that doesn't mean it. He will get plays. It is important to prepare him for this in any way you can.Lance has made this preparation a constant process since his first NFL training camp. Lance looked at ease operating from the pocket during passing plays, even though he had to put on pads for the first time since more than 300 days. He also provided a unique running element among San Francisco's quarterbacks.Many of the zone-read and read option plays Shanahan dialed up to Lance are in the playbook, but have largely remained unused over the past four seasons since the Niners didn't employ a quarterback with Lance’s running ability.Shanahan was able to get him up to speed with the run-pass options, which could be a challenge to defenses against current starter Jimmy Garoppolo.Shanahan compared the various plays of his quarterbacks to a group wide receivers with different abilities.Shanahan stated, "It's different but it makes it easier for us to view it similar to other positions." "I don't believe it's a problem for our team. It's not an issue in there when we discuss what we're doing."This could lead to Garoppolo being the starter, but Lance being deployed in short-yardage or red zone situations. The defense would have to account for Lance's running ability and offer the possibility of passing. This would be similar in nature to the New Orleans Saints' past with Drew Brees, Taysom Hill and Lance. However, Lance could still be deployed as a receiver and Lance can also be used as a passer.There is always the possibility Lance could win the job. Shanahan is sticking to his original plan to run Garoppolo with starters and Lance with second-team offense.Lance took one snap during eight practices with the first-string offense. This is a run Shanahan created specifically for Lance.This is likely to change so Lance can get at least some extended work with top offensive line. The Niners alternate between the skill positions within each group in an average practice.Shanahan stated that "Trey will get reps alongside the 1s." This doesn't necessarily mean that the competition is closed. He should get some reps on the [No. 1. O-line"Lance's performance at training camp has impressed his coaches and teammates. He has shown the running abilities Shanahan hopes to tap into, and has been efficient and most accurately working from the pocket during team drills.There have been also some rookie mistakes. Lance was involved in two bad exchanges with Wayne Gallman on Friday that resulted in fumbles. He also had bouts of inaccuracy throwing high to open receivers.Most importantly, Lance is able to grasp the offense and translate it onto the field.Mike McDaniel, offensive coordinator, said that McDaniel is "really comfortable in his own skin." He's getting to the stage where he can correct his teammates, which is what a coach wants. A coach is a person you want on the field. A coach is not the only person a receiver will listen to. He's very good at that and I believe that a lot of guys will respond to it."Lance and the 49ers will open their preseason schedule against the Kansas City Chiefs on Aug. 14. They will then follow that with joint practices with Los Angeles Chargers Aug. 19-20, before facing the Chargers in the second exhibition match.Lance's participation in these games will not be known, but he will participate and have the chance to support his case for turning the current quarterback situation into an actual competition.
