Through the 49ers' first five games of the season, quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance each have appeared in four games. But San Francisco's offense is much different depending on which QB is under center.
To DeForest Buckner, the 49ers resemble one of his and the Indianapolis Colts' AFC foes when Lance enters the game.
"It's crazy because it's a whole different offense," Buckner said Wednesday to reporters. "You kind of get that Baltimore Ravens type of vibe when he's in there running that swing option, things like that.
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"Obviously a lot more quarterback-designed runs and little things like that."
Lance got his first career start in the 49ers' 17-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals with Garoppolo injured. The rookie rushed 16 times for 89 yards. He led the 49ers in both carries and rushing yards. Running back Elijah Mitchell was second in both with nine carries for 43 yards.
"He's elusive with his speed and he can hurt your defense with his legs," Buckner said of Lance.
Garoppolo's season-high for carries is 11, which also produced a season-high 20 rushing yards. His 11 carries are a new career-high and he never has rushed for more than 23 yards in a game.
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But it sounds like Garoppolo likely will be the starter Sunday against Buckner and the Colts. Lance still isn't practicing as he deals with a knee sprain, and Garoppolo's calf appears healthy enough for the game.
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Still, Buckner, who played four seasons on the 49ers and three with Garoppolo, knows his defense has to be ready for Lance and anything is possible when playing against coach Kyle Shanahan.
"It's definitely two different offenses that we're gonna have to prepare for, just in case he ends up playing last minute," Buckner said.