SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Kyle Shanahan is aware of what the discuss will probably be across the San Francisco 49ers if quarterback Trey Lance struggles in his first season because the starter with Jimmy Garoppolo ready on the bench.

There will probably be calls from some followers for a change again to the QB who helped the Niners attain the NFC title sport and Tremendous Bowl in his two wholesome seasons as a starter, and questions from the media about whether or not Lance is prepared for the job.

“Everyone knows the way it’ll go,” Shanahan mentioned Wednesday. “I additionally know if Jimmy wasn’t right here and Trey did unhealthy, how it will go. So we perceive that. The truth that he has this profitable quarterback behind him, that’s apparent how that narrative will probably be and understandably so.”

That exterior stress had no influence on the Niners’ determination final week to convey Garoppolo again on a decreased contract because the backup.

However the coach nonetheless felt it was necessary sufficient earlier than the information grew to become public to assemble a bunch of about 15 crew leaders to clarify the membership’s considering in making the transfer. His message to the gamers was to ensure they help Lance by any tough patches.

“I believe our gamers additionally know Jimmy went by some robust instances, too, they usually had his again,” Shanahan mentioned. “No matter in the event that they thought there was a greater choice, they’d his again and other people have to comprehend that. Gamers, I believe want to comprehend that similar to their place, it occurs on the quarterback place, too. You’re not going to be excellent. … It’s important to understand while you do wrestle, these guys comprehend it’s lots more durable to play effectively when nobody has your again. It’s important to assist guys by that. I believe we bought the blokes who can try this.”

The Niners are going full velocity forward with Lance because the starter starting with Sunday’s opener at Chicago. That is the primary time since 2019 that Lance will start a season as a starter; his 2020 season at North Dakota State was worn out by the pandemic after which his rookie yr within the NFL was spent backing up Garoppolo.

Lance began two video games final season when Garoppolo was damage however has spent the complete lead-up to this season because the starter and is wanting ahead to an actual sport as an alternative of practices and exhibitions.

“Type of a breath of contemporary air, for certain,” he mentioned. “I’m excited to sport plan for someone, not simply form of operating our coaching camp scripts and going in opposition to our protection. Get to form of put performs in for sure conditions and various things like that. So, it’s been an superior expertise.”

Lance was not picked as one of many 49ers’ six captains for the season, with the gamers voting for Trent Williams, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Fred Warner and Jimmie Ward.

Shanahan mentioned Lance was seventh and Deebo Samuel was eighth within the voting however he needed to restrict the variety of captains to 6 and mentioned it wasn’t uncommon for a first-year starter to not get the respect.

Lance hopes to get to that time quickly in his profession however mentioned it gained’t change how he approaches his job as a frontrunner.

“That’s a aim of mine however I don’t assume you may take a look at any six of these guys and be like, ‘That man is a bozo,’” Lance mentioned. “These guys have all performed soccer at a really, very excessive degree. … I voted for each single a kind of guys, so I believe every one in every of them deserves it. It’s undoubtedly a aim of mine transferring ahead, however these guys have all proved it and that’s what this league is all about.”

NOTES: Kittle missed follow after injuring his groin in follow Monday and his standing for this week is unsure. … OL Daniel Brunskill (hamstring) additionally sat out. … LB Dre Greenlaw (elbow) was restricted.

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Extra AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

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