The Facts: Lance has returned from a major injury. But it was something that seemed much less significant on the surface that proved to be the bigger obstacle in the quarterback's development as an NFL passer, HC Kyle Shanahan said. A hairline fracture of Lance’s right index finger during the 2021 preseason proved to be a major setback that severely limited his throwing ability for more than a year, Shanahan said Wednesday night at the Dwight Clark Legacy Series event. Because the injury did not heal properly, it forced Lance to change the way he gripped the ball. “He spent a whole year throwing without a bent finger which changed everything and shows the toughness of the kid that he never complained about it,” Shanahan said. “He tried to adjust so he could be out there.”

Diehards Line: Comparatively, the fractured ankle he endured in Week 2 that ended his second NFL season seems to be less of a long-term concern. Shanahan said Lance’s lower body is fine and he’s throwing the ball very well at the start of the team’s offseason program because his finger is no longer an issue, either. “He was able to get such a better base in these last two months that I think Trey is the best that we’ve (seen) him right now,” Shanahan said. “Yeah, we got to get into OTAs and practice, but when you watch his feet, his timing, how he’s throwing the ball, he’s in such a better place now than he was last year at this time.” Still, the 49ers consider Brock Purdy to be the top quarterback on the depth chart after winning eight consecutive games after taking over for Jimmy Garoppolo last season. Shanahan said Lance’s spot behind Purdy should not be read as a negative against Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Purdy, who likely is four months away from being fully cleared after elbow surgery, is considered the team’s top quarterback because he proved himself in his extended playing time last season.