The saga of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy certainly didn’t end with his elbow injury at the NFC Championship game. After his team was taken down by the Eagles 31-7, the former last overall pick in the NFL Draft is mulling over what to do next about his broken wing.
Purdy suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow while dropping back for a pass in the first half of the title game. It was a damaging blow to not only the team but also to what had become a magical run from an unlikely hero.
Purdy had a rookie year that saw him come from almost out of nowhere, posting five straight wins to close the season and two playoff victories before that disastrous loss to Philadelphia. Forced back into action despite being hurt, Purdy was forced to basically just hand the ball off in various formations. From there, it was essentially a no-contest, with everyone just seeming to play the clock out as the curtain fell on a promising ‘Niners season.
For now, the former Mr. Irrelevant appears favored to be the starter for San Francisco to open in 2023. However, he’ll definitely receive a lot of training camp competition from the third overall pick in the draft in 2021, Trey Lance.
As the chosen heir apparent, the team would rather see Lance at the helm, but it’s been hard to argue with Purdy’s record. After all? He was the guy who guided the team to within a step of the Super Bowl.
With a chance to take the next step forward in the NFL, Brock Purdy now has to decide what’s next for him in terms of his injury.
Purdy continued talks on Monday about surgery to repair the torn ligament in his right elbow. He’s nearing a decision on the surgery, according to several reports.
The procedure that Purdy looks likely to select would require an internal brace rather than Tommy John surgery. The brace repair option would keep the San Francisco slinger out for about six months. Purdy could then start throwing in three months with a measured build-up.
If Purdy opts for more intensive reconstruction surgery (Tommy John), then he would be sidelined for roughly a year. So, entering his second season as a pro, he’s already at a bit of a crossroads.
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Purdy said last week that he hopes to return in time for the start of the 2023 season. He completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 569 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in three playoff games. The Iowa State product showed a lot of poise in the pocket and uncanny leadership for a young player who was drafted so low.
Despite the fact that Brock Purdy was once the last overall pick in the draft, the future of both the QB and his shoulder is about as ‘Relevant’ a story as you can find right now in the Bay Area. Regardless of whether he’s reinstated as the starter or not doesn’t matter. Having a healthy Purdy in the fold only makes the ‘Niners that much stronger contenders in 2023.
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