30 January 2023 , 22:49
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What's been a near fairy-tale season for Brock Purdy has come to a nightmare end, as the rookie quarterback may reportedly be sidelined for six months with an elbow injury.
Inside the first quarter of the NFC Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles, Purdy was hit when attempting to throw downfield, and went off to be evaluated. Fourth-string quarterback Josh Johnson came on to replace him, but then he was ruled out of the game with a concussion.
Purdy came back in, although it was clear that he was unable to throw comfortably and the 49ers suffered a brutal 31-7 loss to the Eagles. It was confirmed on Monday that the rookie suffered a complete tear of the UCL in his throwing elbow, and is set to undergo surgery.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Purdy is getting second opinions on his injury, but the initial hope is that he can undergo a repair and not a reconstruction. The 49ers are hoping that Purdy will be back ready for training camp ahead of next season.
The reported timeline for a return would be six months, and the 49ers have suggested surgery to Purdy, although no formal decision has been made so far. It's a massive blow after what was the dream season for Purdy, who became the starting quarterback and led the San Francisco side to the Championship game.
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Purdy was 'Mr. Irrelevant' in the 2022 NFL draft, being picked up dead last by the 49ers. Purdy was third-string behind Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, but when injuries to the pair ruled them out for the season, he was handed an unlikely opportunity.
Purdy spent a lot of time in the injury tent on Sunday (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)The weight of the situation didn't bother Purdy, and he went on a terrific run, winning every game as a starter until Sunday's Championship game. And even the clash against the Eagles is hard to count, as Purdy barely got a chance before being injured.
The 49ers may not have achieved their Super Bowl dreams, but Purdy has already established himself and gained respect across the league. The side now have a tough decision to make at quarterback next season, but Purdy will need to make sure he's ready by then to be in the conversation.
It's been a brutal year for quarterbacks at the 49ers, as Lance was ruled out in week two with a broken ankle, and then Purdy replaced Garoppolo in week 13.
Garoppolo suffered a broken foot, but thankfully Purdy kept the momentum going. But in the NFC Championship game the remaining quarterback options were picked off, with Purdy tearing his UCL, and Johnson suffering a concussion.