Garoppolo comes off the bench to lead the 49ers to a 27-7 victory over the Seahawks.

Garoppolo comes off the bench to lead the 49ers to a 27-7 victory over the Seahawks.

Jimmy Garoppolo tossed a touchdown pass on his first complete drive after replacing an injured Trey Lance and rushed for another, leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 27-7 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Lance shattered his right ankle on the game's second drive, ruining his season. Lance, 22, was given the keys to San Francisco's offense this season. He was carted off the field in an air cast on his damaged ankle.

That laid the groundwork for Garoppolo to retake the job he had held for the most of the previous four seasons, as the Niners' stunning choice to keep Garoppolo on a reduced deal paid nearly instant returns.

In his first game since last season's NFC title game, he completed his first five throws, including a 38-yard touchdown strike to Ross Dwelley that put San Francisco (1-1) up 13-0.

The Niners essentially coasted from there, while the Seahawks (1-1) were lifeless six days after their dramatic season-opening win against former quarterback Russell Wilson and the Broncos.

Geno Smith completed 24 of 30 passes for 198 yards and an interception. Seattle also had a near-goal line trick play fail, resulting in another fumble, and carried for only 35 yards on the day.

Lance took up the starting spot from Garoppolo this season after being picked third overall in 2021. San Francisco made a significant commitment on Lance by trading three first-round picks to move up nine spots to grab him.

Lance spent much of his first season on the bench, largely watching Garoppolo as the Niners advanced to the NFC title game before falling to the Rams.

San Francisco had expected to move Garoppolo this summer, but he underwent shoulder surgery in March and was unable to do it.

Garoppolo stayed on the roster but did not participate in any practices with the club throughout training camp, instead throwing on his own on a separate field until deciding to return as a backup on a reduced deal.

Garoppolo completed 13 of 21 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. He sealed the game late in the fourth quarter with a 1-yard sneak.

BLOCKED

The Seahawks scored in the third quarter courtesy to special teams. Tariq Woolen stopped Robbie Gould's 20-yard field goal attempt, and Michael Jackson grabbed it up and raced 86 yards for the touchdown.

VERSATILITY

Dwelley had a strong offensive and special teams performance. Dwelly recovered a muffed punt when Tarvarius Moore knocked blocker Xavier Crawford into returner Tyler Lockett, in addition to the TD catch from Garoppolo.

Dwelley became the first player in NFL history to catch a touchdown pass and recover an opponent's fumble in the same game since teammate Kyle Juszczyk did it against Atlanta on December 15, 2019.

That recovery set up Juszczyk's 1-yard run, which made the score 20-0 at the half.

TRICKED UP

In the second quarter, the Seahawks called for a trick play that backfired. DeeJay Dallas received a handoff following a direct snap from Kenneth Walker III and attempted to force a pass into the end zone to DK Metcalf. Charvarius Ward was right up there with the first interception in San Francisco.

INJURIES

Seahawks: DL In the first half, Shelby Harris (glute) exited the game and did not come back. G Damien Lewis (thigh) also had an injury and left the game.

49ers: TE In the second half, Tyler Kroft (knee) exited the game and did not come back.

NEXT UP

Atlanta visits the Seahawks on Sunday.

Denver hosts the 49ers on Sunday night.