After a lackluster performance from Jimmy Garoppolo and a thumb injury to boot, San Francisco 49ers fans are looking forward to prized rookie Trey Lance starting in Week 17 against the Houston Texans. The team has been dropping a lot of hints about Lance potentially making his second start as the QB1 in the NFL.

One of the people who have been hinting at Trey Lance's start is Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle. The 49ers superstar remarked to the media how good Lance has been, saying this: (via Matt Barrows)

“Everything you guys saw in camp — he's been way better than that,” Kittle said of the last two months.

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Well, that's certainly encouraging news for 49ers fans. Trey Lance's debut in Week 5 against the Cardinals was nothing to sneeze at: 15-of-29 passes completed for 192 yards and one interception, along with 16 carries for 89 yards on the ground. It's not spectacular, but given that he's still a rookie, it's a solid start.

Lance's potential start comes at a crucial time for the 49ers. After suffering a tragic defeat at the hands of the Tennessee Titans, the team has lost major ground in the wild-card race. A win over the lowly Texans here would give them ample ground when they face the Los Angeles Rams in the final week. If Lance does start in place of the injured Garoppolo (which seems likely, after today's practice), he has a chance to make a good impression on the San Francisco fans.

This is a make-or-break situation for the 49ers. Will they start the young rookie Trey Lance, or will they trot out Jimmy Garoppolo despite his thumb injury. Kyle Shanahan's decision here will decide if they'll be playing come January or not.