49ers vs. Packers: 5 must-watch storylines for 2022 preseason opener
By Peter Panacy
49ers vs. Packers storyline No. 1: Trey Lance maturation process
Trey Lance’s first offseason as the unquestioned starter for San Francisco has had bumps and bruises already, intertwined with some seriously flash-type moments.
With veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo still on the roster but not expected to participate in preseason games, Lance is going to get the start against Green Bay, and Kyle Shanahan mentioned he’d like to play the second-year pro in Weeks 1 and 3 of the preseason, too, giving the young signal-caller a break in between when the 49ers visit the Minnesota Vikings.
While Lance has sometimes struggled going up against the Niners’ first-string defense in training camp, which is expected to be awfully good this season, the Packers defense is also expected to be a quality unit, also boasting depth that could test the quarterback, too.
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And while Shanahan might opt to give Lance a series or two, at most just one quarter, seeing how the former North Dakota State standout performs against a mix of Green Bay starters and second-stringers should provide some insight into how his regular-season efforts pan out.
There will inevitably be overreactions one way or the other. That’s the context for such a high-profile player.
Still, fans and analysts will watch closely and rush to judgment, even if it’s only a watered-down piece of evidence.
San Francisco kicks off against the Packers on Friday, Aug. 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium.
Next. 5 Niners who are losing their depth-chart battles in training camp. dark