San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo sustained a reported hand injury during the loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, clearing a path for Trey Lance to get a start under center. Garoppolo's status for the Niners' Week 17 matchup is up in the air, and now the extent of his hand injury has been revealed. Per Ian Rapoport, Garoppolo is dealing with a chipped bone and torn ligament in his throwing hand.

Garoppolo didn't practice on Monday as a result of his injuries, and he's currently considered doubtful for the 49ers' Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans, which is slated for Jan. 2. Rapoport notes that Garoppolo intends to try to get back in time for Sunday's game, though it's unlikely he'll be able to suit up.

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With Garoppolo expected to be out of commission, Lance is in line to make his second career start, and could do so in a favorable matchup against a lowly Texans' defense. In his previous start for the 49ers, which came all the way back in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, Lance completed 15-of-29 pass attempts for 192 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. He carried the ball 16 times for 89 yards, showcasing his effectiveness as a runner.

He'll look to improve as a passer in his second start and has a great chance to do just that against a Houston Texans team that has surrendered the fourth-most passing yards over the past three weeks. 49ers fans will finally get another glimpse at the supposed future of the franchise on Sunday, in what could spell the start of a new era in San Francisco.