Trey Lance: 3 bold predictions for 49ers QB in 2021

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Trey Lance leads 49ers in rushing

This is obviously unlikely, which is why I am considering it a bold prediction.

But we all saw how Kyle Shanahan swapped Trey Lance into the 49ers’ third preseason game for special packages, so who’s to say this trend won’t continue for the duration of the season?

Couple these constant-designed rushing packages with a potential injury to one of the team’s premier backs such as Raheem Mostert, and we can potentially see a large accumulation of yards from Lance over a 17-game season.

And, remember. Lance rushed for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns during his 2019 collegiate season at North Dakota State. It’s not out of the question Lance will be one of the Niners’ leaders on the ground, but there’s more.

The 49ers don’t possess any true workhorse running backs, outside of rookie Trey Sermon, who will presumably be eased into the NFL anyway. So it’s surely plausible to assume Lance can accrue about 600 yards rushing and lead San Francisco’s rushing attack.

Lance wouldn’t even have to be a starter for the bulk of the year for it to occur.

This probably won’t happen, though, as it would put Lance in harm’s way much more than the Niners coaching staff will be comfortable with, but it would be insanely cool.