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Trey Lance to Start 49ers' Preseason Opener vs. Raiders Over Sam Darnold

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance will be starting Sunday's preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed in an interview with KNBR.

Shanahan said earlier this week that he doubted Brock Purdy would play, but did not clarify who would get the first snap between Lance and Sam Darnold.

Lance, who was sidelined for most of the 2022 season after suffering a broken ankle in Week 2, will be using the opportunity to audition for the role of primary backup to Purdy next season. On an unofficial depth chart published earlier this week by 49ers communications staff, both Lance and Darnold were listed at QB2.