@NFL Update on 49ers Quarterback @BrockPurdy

After an impressive rookie season, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a devastating injury during the NFC Championship Game. ESPN and NFL Network reported that he tore his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) during the opening quarter of play.

Purdy is expected to undergo surgery on his elbow, but not Tommy John surgery. Instead, an "internal brace" repair will be used which should allow him to return to the field within six months.

Injury Update: Purdy Undergoes Surgery on His Elbow

Following his team's 31-7 loss to Philadelphia in the NFC Championship game, San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Brock Purdy is currently undergoing surgery on his elbow. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Purdy will have this procedure this Friday.

Purdy is expected to begin his throwing progression program within three months, giving him a chance to return to the field before the 2023 season begins. Additionally, he'll participate in the team's offseason conditioning and strength training exercises as well.

At the time of his selection by the 49ers as the 26th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Purdy was seen as a backup option at quarterback. Standing just over six feet tall, his arm was perceived as being small and not an elite passer - thus far his selection by them.

However, that all changed in December when Purdy was suddenly thrust into the starting quarterback role due to an array of injuries to other players. His remarkable play has earned him the title as "Cinderella story" of the 2022 NFL playoffs.

After his remarkable run, he was awarded the starting job for 2023 season and helped lead the 49ers to eight consecutive victories and an appearance in the NFC Championship game. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury on his opening drive of that game, leading to Johnson being replaced by veteran Josh Johnson.

On their opening offensive drive of the game, Eagles edge rusher Haason Reddick hit him on his right elbow and caused an injury. At first glance, trainers said no injury had been sustained; however, as time went on it became increasingly difficult for him to play.

In the end, Purdy was forced out of the game in the second quarter due to a hit and fumble. At that point, San Francisco 49ers deemed him "questionable to return," so Johnson was brought in as his replacement.

Purdy is expected to recover from his UCL repair in six months, meaning he could potentially return for training camp this summer. Unfortunately, the recovery period will be long and complex.

Purdy’s Recovery Timeline

The San Francisco 49ers have announced that quarterback Brock Purdy has undergone successful surgery to repair his torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow. According to a team release, this should allow him to begin throwing progression exercises within three months following surgery.

Purdy underwent surgery at the advice of his surgeon, Texas Rangers team physician Keith Meister. While this decision doesn't guarantee Purdy will be ready to throw by training camp, it serves as a sign that the 49ers want their quarterback back at 100% before kickoff of the 2023 season.

Pitchers are more prone to torn UCLs than quarterbacks, however this is less common with quarterbacks due to the less strain placed on the arm with a QB's throwing motion compared to pitchers', leading to faster healing of these injuries.

That's why surgical UCL repairs are usually the best choice for quarterbacks, rather than reconstructive surgery like Tommy John which may require a lengthy recovery period and be difficult to recover from.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that Purdy's surgeon is planning a surgery that includes both an UCL repair and Internal Brace. This artificial "check-rein" is implanted into the joint to reinforce it while it heals.

Purdy will need six months for recovery from this surgery, but the 49ers anticipate he should be cleared to begin throwing once all inflammation has subsided. Therefore, they believe he'll be ready for organized team activities by early August.

Purdy made his NFL debut late in 2018, leading the 49ers to victories over both Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys. With a regular-season QBR of 65.4, he finished fifth among qualified passers in terms of passing yards per start with more than 1,300 yards each start and 13 touchdowns to four interceptions.

Purdy’s Future with the 49ers

As expected, the 49ers' quarterback situation is a hotly debated topic heading into next season. After Trey Lance was injured earlier this year, they turned to Brock Purdy as their starter for the remainder of the year.

In his first three starts this season, the rookie has been impressive and producing impressive numbers. While his 58/84, 612 yards and 7 touchdowns aren't particularly remarkable, they're still respectable figures. He relies on top playmakers such as Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle for assistance, yet still manages to make throws that have been asked of him.

Purdy's football intelligence has been evident this season. He quickly picked up on the pre-snap motion his team prefers and has an excellent read on defenses. Furthermore, he knows when it's time for him to catch the ball or use his feet.

That translates to being able to make informed decisions in stressful situations, which has enabled him to persevere through the demands of the NFL. Furthermore, he's demonstrated great leadership qualities which San Francisco greatly values.

Although they've stated their intent to stay open this offseason for a veteran quarterback, the Niners could still consider signing Tom Brady. Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated told Colin Cowherd he could see them signing Brady this offseason but stated they'd need to invest significant funds in order to do so.

In the meantime, the 49ers have Purdy as a potential starting quarterback candidate. He boasts an impressive football IQ and has done an excellent job learning the offense, though it's unlikely he'll be able to sustain that role for an extended period of time.

So, the question now is whether Purdy can continue his development as he enters his second season and potentially become the 49ers' starter. If so, then they will have an intriguing quarterback situation in 2022.

Final Words

As the 49ers celebrate their second consecutive NFC Championship game victory, quarterback Brock Purdy is taking some time off for rest and reflection. He has spent the past few weeks away from the media, savoring the win against Dallas and considering what he can take with him to the next level.

Many have focused on his potential as an NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, but others are paying attention to his faith. Fans on Instagram are especially admiring how he embraces Jesus Christ as a source of strength and motivation in his life.

On Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles, He was able to draw upon his strong Christian beliefs as he led his team to a 31-7 win and as they reflect on this triumph, they're taking note of what they see in their rookie quarterback.

If the 49ers have their way, Purdy will be named their starter heading into the 2023 season. That decision will likely be made by coach Kyle Shanahan and is sure to stir up some controversy.

One former head coach has already given his approval: Steve Mariucci, who served as coach for the Niners from 1999-2001. He told NBC Sports Bay Area reporter Jennifer Lee Chan that it's time for Jimmy Garoppolo and Purdy to make the switch and it won't be his job to lose.

But the real test will be whether Purdy can take advantage of this chance and prove himself worthy in a way that convinces Shanahan he's the right decision in the long run. That's an elusive question at this point; we won't know for certain until after the playoffs have concluded.

If the San Francisco 49ers can defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in this weekend's NFC Championship, they'll be making history. It will be their first trip to the Super Bowl in 59 years - giving their young quarterback an opportunity for sporting immortality. If they succeed, it would be a fitting sendoff for him from this side of glory.