NFL Rumors: Not Jimmy G, 49ers are grooming Trey Lance to be the next Aaron Rodgers

Trey Lance was drafted in last year's NFL Draft with the intention of him stepping into the role of starter this year for the San Francisco 49rs.

Things haven't exactly worked out for Lance this year, as for the most part he has remained on the bench in favor of starter Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo's play has led his team to the playoffs, while Trey Lance has sat on the bench waiting for his turn to start.

Trey Lance did something important in practice this week for the team as he played the role of Aaron Rodgers in practice. Lance has been really good in practice playing Rodgers' role. Maybe too good.

49ers safety Jimmie Ward said this about the rookie quarterback's practice this week via NBC Sports:

“Oh, yeah, too good of a look,” Ward said. “Playing DB and the quarterback can’t get hit, and you got somebody running around with the football, trying to cover wide receivers for 10 seconds, that’s like plaster drill. Every rep is a plaster drill. Even quarterbacks who don’t scramble, if Trey’s the quarterback, we’re still going to have to plaster."

It's interesting that the 49ers are asking Lance to play the role of Rodgers when it's being rumored that team is grooming him to be the Packers quarterback.

Trey Lance is the 49ers' future quarterback

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

Make no mistake, the future of the 49ers lies in the hands of Trey Lance. Whether it's next year or the year after, Lance is their guy.

The main reason the 49ers drafted Trey Lance was that Garoppolo was struggling and had injuries over the past few years that led to the 49ers missing the playoffs.

But this year, Jimmy G has played better in spots when they needed him to, like in the regular season against the L.A. Rams, when he brought the 49ers back to win the game in overtime and advance to the playoffs. In that game, Garoppolo threw for 316 yards and a touchdown.

On the other hand, a poor Jimmy G almost gave Dallas the game last week with a terrible interception that led to a Cowboys touchdown that cut the 49ers' lead to 6.

The last two games pretty much sum up Garoppolo's career in San Francisco. The 49ers may have a problem if a better version of Jimmy G shows up in the next few weeks and leads them to the Super Bowl.

Meanwhile, Trey Lance has shown promise in the few games he has played in. And if Jimmy G struggles on Saturday against the Packers, one has to wonder if head coach Kyle Shanahan will pull the veteran out for the rookie? Lance has thrown for five touchdowns and 603 yards this season. His scrambling ability is another element that Jimmy G doesn't have.

If this week's practice is any indication, the rookie may get the chance he and 49ers fans have been waiting for.