SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance is on the road to recovery after a season-ending injury to his right ankle against the Seattle Seahawks.
The day after the 27-7 win over the Seahawks, the Niners announced that Lance had “successfully operated on an injured right ankle.” The surgery, performed Monday morning at Stanford Hospital, repaired two injuries to Lance’s ankle: “a fractured fibula and a ruptured ligament,” according to a statement from the team.
Shortly after surgery to repair his broken ankle, Lance posted some insights on how he was feeling on social media.
Lance tweeted a photo of himself lying in a hospital bed with a cast on his right ankle and a smile on his face.
“I really appreciate all the messages and prayers. The surgery was a success and I am ready to attack this recovery process,” he wrote. “We’ll never understand why, but I’m sure it’s all part of his plan. I’ll be back better than ever. This chapter will make the story even better!”
Really appreciate all the info and prayers. The surgery was a success and I am ready to begin this recovery process. We’ll never understand why, but I believe it’s all part of his plan. I will be back better than ever. This chapter will make the story even better! pic.twitter.com/l5hoBWsLDw
— Treylance (@treylance09) September 19, 2022
The recovery process will take some time and a return for the season has been ruled out, but Dr. In a statement, Tim McAdams said he was confident Lance would make a “full recovery in time for a full return for the 2023 season.”
Lance will head to injury reserves this week, with veteran Jimmy Garoppolo taking over as San Francisco’s starter and rookie Brock Purdy serving as a backup. San Francisco is expected to add another quarterback to the active roster or practice squad to provide additional depth.
The ankle injury occurred with 2:20 left in the first quarter, and Lance decided to keep the ball instead of handing it over to receiver Ray Ray McLeod. Lance broke out in the middle, but Seahawks linebacker Cody Barton met him in the hole after gaining 2 yards.
Lance fell awkwardly, his right ankle seemingly folded under him. Lance looked like he was about to get up right away when center Jack Blundell came to his aid, but Lance fell quickly. A carriage came out shortly after, and after the encouragement of his teammates, Lance was taken to the locker room with his right leg dangling.
Most of the Nines players and coaches who spoke after the victory over Seattle said they knew right away that Lance’s injury was serious.
Those who have been through similar injuries, like defensive end Nick Bosa (who tore the ACL in his left knee in Week 2 of the 2020 season), offer Lance some perspective.
“It was the worst part of the game,” Bosa said. “It happens immediately, there’s no going back. Once it happens, you feel like your life is over for a while. … Then (surgery) starts your road back. It won’t be easy, but he’ll be back. Yes, he’ll be fine. It’s really hard right now.”