49ers' Trey Lance Done For Season, Team Expecting Full Return in 2023

September 18, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) is carted off the field after an injury against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback Trey Lance's season is finished after the quarterback suffered a serious ankle injury during San Francisco's second drive against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Lance left the game on a cart with his leg wrapped in an air cast, and underwent surgery on his right ankle Monday, which the team announced was a success. San Francisco expects their quarterback to make a complete recovery in time for a full return for the 2023 season.

The injury, according to Dr. Jess Flynn of The 33rd Team, was similar to the season-ender Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott suffered in Week 5 of the 2020 season against the New York Giants. Prescott suffered a compound fracture and dislocation to his right ankle.

The initial expectation from Flynn following the injury was that it would be season-ending, something that was confirmed shortly before the end of the game, and then again by head coach Kyle Shanahan postgame.

#49ers QB Trey Lance had his right foot trapped on the turf as he was brought down. Right ankle injury, left on the cart with an aircast on his right ankle. Replay showed what looked like right ankle fracture-dislocation.

— DocFlynn (@DocFlynnNFL) September 18, 2022

"It's tough, you feel for someone so bad," said San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan in his postgame press conference. "He's doing as good as you can. When I went and saw him, he was just asking me about a couple of the plays before, some of his reads and stuff. That's the type of kid he is, and I'm hurting for him."

"We were so excited for the development he was making, and what he was going to do this season for us. And for him to go down with an injury so quickly, it truly is unfortunate and we feel for the guy, and we're going to try and pick him up and help in any way we can," said fullback Kyle Juszczyk postgame.

Lance's injury occurred when the second-year quarterback took a big hit from Seahawks LB Cody Barton and DT Bryan Mone on a 2-yard run. He fell back to the field when trying to walk after the play, and medical personnel was immediately brought out onto the field.

The 49ers quickly ruled Lance out for the remainder of the game, and backup Jimmy Garoppolo entered.

"Feel terrible for Trey. I've been on that side of that. This league is tough and everyone has their share of injuries," Garoppolo said postgame. "It's tough whenever you see a guy get hurt. You feel for him, but Trey's a tough dude. He'll be alright."

The injury came in Lance's second game as the 49ers' full-time starter. The third-overall draft pick in 2021, Lance made two starts for San Francisco as a rookie, spending the season as the team's backup to Garoppolo.