Jimmy Garoppolo or Trey Lance?

That was the big question surrounding the Lions vs. 49ers game on Sunday. And that’s even with the injury that Trey Lance sustained. However, a recent development regarding the 49ers’ media availability points toward Jimmy G getting the start.

The 49ers’ released their media availability schedule for the week on Monday. 49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan will speak with reporters around 12:25 pm, with Garoppolo following him. 

And guess who isn’t on the media schedule at all this week? If you thought Trey Lance, then you’re correct. The starting quarterback typically speaks with the reporters on game week. Lance’s omission from the media schedule all but points to Jimmy G getting the nod. 

A little over a week ago (August 30th), Kyle Shanahan revealed to the media that Lance has a “small chip” in his right index finger. Lance suffered the injury during the 49er’s preseason finale vs. the Raiders. In the second quarter, Lance accidentally struck another player’s helmet. Shanahan said he expected his rookie quarterback to be out of action for at least seven days.

But wait, there’s more. 

NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco reports that even though Lance is no longer wearing a splint on his finger, he did not throw any passes on Monday. 

It’s safe to say the Detroit Lions don’t wish injury on anyone. Despite that, if Lance is out, they won’t feel too sorry either. On Monday morning, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that his team was preparing for both quarterbacks.

“I think you’ve got to prepare for both,” Campbell said. “You have to assume that they may try to mix (Lance) in there and use him a little bit. We’ll make sure that we’ve taken care of some of that.”

Regardless of which QB is under center, the Detroit Lions have their handful. Throughout the preseason, the 49ers’ have demonstrated an impressive rushing attack. They’ve averaged over 188 yards on the ground per game in the last three (preseason games).

Dan Campbell acknowledged on Monday that his team’s rush defense must improve. And it has to. Because if it doesn’t, Jimmy Garoppolo is the least of their worries.

Follow Kory Woods on Twitter at KoryEWoods.