The San Francisco 49ers might just be forced to start Trey Lance once again after the latest injury woe that hit starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Nick Wagoner of ESPN reported that Garoppolo missed the 49ers' Monday practice due to a right thumb injury, with head coach Kyle Shanahan remaining vague in his update and promised to provide more details on Wednesday. However, Adam Schefter corroborated the report and added that Jimmy G. is believed to have suffered “a more significant injury” than just a right thumb sprain.

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This is certainly bad news for the 49ers, especially ahead of a crucial Week 17 showdown with the Houston Texans. At 8-7 on the season and already unlikely to move up the NFC West, all San Francisco can do is keep their position in the seeding for one of the wild card spots.

With Jimmy Garoppolo potentially missing time, however, the 49ers could have no other choice but to put in Trey Lance for another go as a starter. Shanahan and Co. has hold off starting Lance in the belief that he is not yet ready. The rookie's only start this season came in Week 5 in their loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

It remains to be seen what the 49ers will do, as it all depends on Garoppolo's condition. Nonetheless, they will surely need to make a decision sooner rather than later to prepare for the big weeks ahead.