For the first time since a Week 5 start against the Arizona Cardinals, Trey Lance will be the 49ers’ starting quarterback. With Jimmy Garoppolo sidelined with a right thumb injury, Lance will make his home debut as a starter in Levi’s Stadium against the Houston Texans.
After being listed as doubtful, Garoppolo was ruled out, along with the following players:
- QB Jimmy Garoppolo (right thumb)
- S Talanoa Hufanga (knee)
- LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee, elbow)
- LB Dre Greenlaw (groin)
- DL Maurice Hurst (calf)
- OL Colton McKivitz
- TE Tanner Hudson
That means that Elijah Mitchell, who missed the last three games with concussion and knee issues, will return.
Houston, meanwhile, will be limited along the defensive line. It’s also the 49ers’ first experience seeing Deshaun Watson listed as out: (not injury related – personal matter).