Per Tim, "Purdy is QB1. Nothing is guaranteed or permanent in football, but the entire premise of the 49ers’ QB situation, at this point, is that Purdy is first among equals because he earned it last December and January. Everything else — Lance’s practice time, Darnold’s arrival, the blurry timeline for Purdy’s return to full-go action — is about caution, not uncertainty."

Related Players: Trey Lance, Sam Darnold

Beat writer Kawakami repeated, in many different manners, that the only thing keeping Brock Purdy from a Week 1 starting job is the health of his elbow; Lance and Darnold are insurance policies, not hurdles. Purdy is scheduled to throw during the final week of May, which will give us a better idea of his standing for Week 1.

Kyle Shanahan said Trey Lance’s lower body is fine, and he’s throwing the ball very well at the start of the team’s offseason program because his finger is no longer an issue, either. Still, the 49ers consider Brock Purdy to be the top quarterback on the depth chart after winning eight consecutive games after taking over for Jimmy Garoppolo last season.

Related Players: Sam Darnold

We are assuredly going to be hearing news all over the place in regard to the 49ers QB situation from now until August, so it's important not to take one piece to heart. Purdy is still apparently four months out with his own injury issues, which puts his timeline basically right up against Week 1. If that's the case, we can only assume that Lance will get another chance to start the season, though Sam Darnold's helmet looms large in the background if the team opts to go in that direction.

We'll keep you posted.

Steve Wilks says Sam Darnold will, in fact, start at QB this week against the Lions.

Darnold now has 66 pass attempts through three starts, which is 12 more than Kirk Cousins had in Week 15. It's clear that the Panthers have no interest in throwing the ball, and D.J. Moore is the only fantasy option in the team's passing game.

The Panthers are expected to release QB Baker Mayfield. He'll hit waivers when it's finalized later today.

Related Players: Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker

Carolina quarterbacks have been a dumpster fire this year and Mayfield will now have to find a new home for an improbable career resurgence. Like for the Panthers to come out of their bye week with Sam Darnold solidified as their quarterback down the stretch.

A QB change: Panthers will start QB Sam Darnold vs. the Broncos on Sunday.

Related players: P.J. Walker, Baker Mayfield

It will be a tough matchup against the Broncos for Darnold. And, it will tough to expect a lot more to the Panthers offense with this QB change, but it's worth noting for those in deeper supflex or two QB leagues. Owners of D.J. Moore can always hope this change will be the one to get him going, however.

P.J. Walker has a high ankle sprain. So Baker Mayfield will start at QB this week, Sam Darnold will be the backup.

The carousel of below-replacement-level quarterbacks continues in Carolina, as Mayfield will once again try his hand at helping make a cohesive offense. Any Panthers QB should be far off of your fantasy radar.

Sam Darnold returned to Panthers practice back on October 19th and has now been cleared for in-game action.

Related Players: PJ Walker, Baker Mayfield

With safety valve Christian McCaffrey now out in San Francisco, the Carolina offense is a poor site to behold. The quarterback roulette will spin again and likely land on Darnold, but he offers no fantasy upside on typical redraft leagues.

Wilks said it's tough to say when Panthers will activate Sam Darnold, whose 21-day window ends Tuesday.

Related players: P.J. Walker

If they don't activate him by then, he'll remain on IR, according to the tweet. Wilks said Darnold looks good, but points out he hasn't had game action (regular season) since the end of '21.

Steve Wilks says P.J. Walker will start this week at QB.

Related players: Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield

Walker wasn't impressive in Week 6 but the Panthers likely have no other choice here. Mayfield is still hurt and Darnold was just designated to return, but will need more time.

Sam Darnold (ankle) has been designated to return from injured reserve and will be able to practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Related players: Baker Mayfield, P.J. Walker

Darnold now has 21 days to get ready. But given Mayfield's injury timetable and P.J. Walker's struggles last week, Darnold could end up starting in Week 7. It's a fluid situation at this point, but not one to get excited about in most fantasy leagues.