49ers QB Trey Lance has second surgery on his right ankle, will be ready for OTAs

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance underwent a second surgery on his right ankle Friday, the team announced. Here’s what you need to know:
- The procedure was to remove hardware from the September procedure.
- Irritation that Lance has been feeling during rehab is believed to have been caused by the hardware’s proximity to an ankle tendon.
- Lance is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for OTAs in May.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Backstory
Lance, 22, was the 49ers’ No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He began the 2022 season as the starting quarterback before suffering a season-ending ankle injury against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2.
Advertisement
Lance underwent surgery to repair two injuries to his right ankle, the 49ers announced on Sept. 19. Following the first operation, the 49ers said Lance is expected to recover “in time for a full return in the 2023 season.”
What this follow-up surgery means for Lance
Follow-up surgeries aren’t uncommon when it comes to dislocated ankles. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott dislocated his ankle in October 2020, had an initial surgery that month, then had another procedure in December that year. He took part in OTAs the following May and was ready for the start of the 2021 regular season. In fact, he threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener.
The Cowboys were cautious with Prescott in spring practices, of course. He initially didn’t take part in any drills that involved a pass rush, so he was limited to seven-on-seven and individual drills before easing into full practices. That might be a template the 49ers follow with Lance in the upcoming spring. — Barrows
Lance’s surgery shuts down possible playoff return
There had been some chatter that Lance could come back in time to help the 49ers in the playoffs. His most recent surgery slams the door on that possibility. While he’ll remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season, the 49ers are hoping Jimmy Garoppolo can return at some point in late January. Garoppolo never went on injured reserve following his Dec. 4 foot fracture.
He’s recently out of the hard cast and has been getting around via knee scooter so as not to put any strain on the foot. Kyle Shanahan has described it as a “way-outside chance” that Garoppolo plays in the postseason, but the fact that they’ve never placed him on injured reserve signals they believe it’s plausible. Obviously, the farther the 49ers go in the playoffs increases the possibility that Garoppolo will be back in uniform. — Barrows
Advertisement
What happens to the 49ers’ QB room next year?
A looming question, of course, is how the 49ers’ quarterback room will be composed next season. Brock Purdy and Lance are still on their rookie contracts, which means they are virtual locks to be on hand when the offseason program begins.
Garoppolo, meanwhile, is poised to become a free agent during a period in which several teams will be seeking a quarterback. Two of his ex-coaches, the Raiders’ Josh McDaniels and the Jets’ Robert Saleh (Saleh’s offensive coordinator is former 49ers assistant Mike LaFleur) could be at the top of his list of suitors. — Barrows
Required reading
(Photo: Kyle Terada / USA Today)
ncG1vNJzZmismJqutbTLnquim16YvK57k2lrcWtibHxzfJFrZmpqX2h%2BcICYnqmsZaSnsrp5y5qlnJ1dlrusuMRmqq6ql5q%2Funs%3D