05 May 2023 , 15:58
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The San Francisco 49ers have been given a huge boost with Brock Purdy set to return to the field in just a few weeks.
After undergoing ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery in the off-season, there had been fears that the quarterback could miss a large part of the upcoming season. The surgery is more common among baseball pitchers and can take up to 12 months to fully recover. However, Purdy might be able to return to full action before the season begins.
It'll be a huge boost for the team, who signed Sam Darnold to compete with Trey Lance should Purdy not be able to start in September. However, it also gives the 49ers a decision to make regarding how to manage Lance in particular, who was backed as their long-term starter prior to his own injury last season.
General manager John Lynch has given fans an indication that Purdy will return to action soon, in a welcome boost for last year's 'Mr Irrelevant', who impressed as a rookie after being the last man taken in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Lynch said: "I just got a report from the trainers. So Week 12, that's where he can actually go out, start lobbing a football. And according to the surgeon, you start getting a little better read on exactly where he's at right about then.
49ers make clear quarterback decision between Brock Purdy and Trey Lance
"I think that's just kind of an indicator of where he's at. And then obviously you have to work up your strength, your stamina, you have to increase reps, distance, all those things.
"But that's going to be well thought out, and he's doing well. I think you just take it day by day. It's cliché, but it's the best thing you can do, and he's done a great job of doing that."
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Brock Purdy is in line to return to action after his elbow injury (Getty Images)After starting just three games after being taken with the third overall pick in 2021, Lance could now struggle to ever win his spot back after the emergence of Purdy last season.
Speaking to the media in March, Lynch said: "I think Brock has earned the right with the way he played that he's probably the leader in the clubhouse at that. If we were to line up, he'd probably have the first snap."
It would be a huge disappointment to Lance to see the team already relegate him to a back-up role, especially given the assets used to acquire him.
Lance was projected to be the man to use both his legs and huge arm to push the Niners over the top, but he could find himself made available for trade after the emergence rookie Purdy - with Lance's value diminishing while in a back-up role. Jimmy Garoppolo has already departed the team, becoming the Las Vegas Raiders' new starting quarterback.