The San Francisco 49ers kept their playoff hopes alive with a win led by rookie quarterback Trey Lance. The third overall pick in the 2o21 draft showcased his dynamic playstyle as the Niners trounced the Houston Texans while starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo sat out with a thumb injury.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the 49ers may have to roll with Lance again as the team is waiting to see if Garoppolo can start practicing today. Rapoport added that there is “some hope inside the building” that he will be able to do so.

After San Francisco's win last week, head coach Kyle Shanahan only had a guess as to whether Garoppolo would be good to go this week. Waiting until Wednesday to start practicing — and that's not even a guarantee — is a sign that he is not fully prepared to go.

Unfortunately for the 49ers, this is not a game they can afford to coast in. They have yet to clinch a playoff berth and need a win over the Los Angeles Rams to do so. It's possible for the Niners to qualify for the postseason without a win, but they would need things out of their control to go in their favor.

If Garoppolo truly isn't fit to play, Lance will get a huge opportunity. He already represents the future of the team by being a top-three draft pick, but clinching a playoff spot on the road against a very good division rival will fire his stock extremely high. It'll improve the odds of taking over the offense sooner rather than later.

Unfortunately for Garoppolo, this may be the end of his stint as the 49ers' lead quarterback. Plenty of teams will be in need of one this offseason, though, so he could remain a starter elsewhere.