Although Josh Johnson‘s exit forced Brock Purdy back into the NFC championship game, San Francisco’s starter was playing through a significant elbow injury. More clarity is emerging on Purdy’s malady, though a definitive recovery timetable remains elusive.
Purdy suffered a torn UCL, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports (on Twitter). The rookie sensation suffered a complete tear, per Pelissero, but as of now, the hope is he can avoid Tommy John surgery. Should Purdy manage to avoid the common baseball procedure — one that can knock pitchers out of action for well beyond a year — he could be back in time for 49ers training camp, Pelissero adds (via Twitter). Indeed, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones notes the current plan is for Purdy to be sidelined for around six months (Twitter link).
A repair procedure, known as an internal brace operation, would allow for this shortened absence. A reconstructive operation — the Tommy John route — would shelve Purdy for the foreseeable future and throw his career off axis. Tommy John surgery would not sideline Purdy for as long as it would MLB arms, Jeff Howe of The Athletic writes (subscription required), noting a seven- to nine-month hiatus would be expected if this route is taken. But this procedure is highly uncommon for quarterbacks.
The Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate is seeking additional opinions, Mark Maske of the Washington Post tweets. If Purdy avoids reconstructive surgery, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo tweets he should be ready to throw in around three months.
The 49ers managed to advance to the NFC title game despite losing their top two quarterbacks, but they will go into the offseason without any of them healthy. Trey Lance suffered a fractured fibula and ligament damage that has required two ankle surgeries; the second occurred not too long ago. Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a broken foot in December, and although the veteran starter was viewed as a candidate to return before the 49ers’ season ended, he was unavailable for Sunday’s game. That created a disaster scenario for San Francisco, which was forced to turn to Johnson — a Denver practice squad arm for most of this season — before needing a severely limited Purdy again after Johnson left the game.
This will mark the second straight offseason in which the 49ers will see an injury cloud their quarterback outlook. Garoppolo’s March 2022 shoulder surgery hijacked his trade market and led him back to the Bay Area as Lance insurance, which became needed in Week 2. Lance’s performance and injury status makes his 49ers standing rather murky, but Purdy missing the offseason program will open the door to the former No. 3 overall pick having a better chance to reclaim his starting job. Going into the NFC title game, Purdy was the early favorite to land the 2023 gig after his stunning run of performances that guided the 49ers to this point. Now, the 49ers could go into their offseason program without either of their prospective 2023 options healthy.
Garoppolo is set for free agency in March. While a moot point now, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported (via Twitter) Garoppolo would have had a chance to practice ahead of Super Bowl LVII. That bodes well for the passer’s free agency market, though his various injuries will impact his value this year.
Purdy, who is under contract through 2025, went down on the 49ers’ first drive; the injury effectively assured the Eagles of their fourth Super Bowl berth and the 49ers being turned back in the championship round for a second straight year. San Francisco has been loosely linked to Tom Brady, and hours before Garoppolo went down with his latest significant injury, the team was connected to wanting to discuss another contract. It will be interesting to see if the 49ers explore adding a veteran starter. The team will likely need to make a move of some sort at quarterback, given Purdy and Lance’s uncertain timetables set to bleed into the offseason program.
That’s a bummer. Here’s to a quick, full recovery.
Sounds like payday for life.
Uh, what!!??
How is it that can be completely torn and surgery isn’t necessary?
story said either a “repair” or full reconstructive surgery. So the hope is avoiding Tj surgery although some other surgery (repair) will be required. All depends on subsequent opinions. But I’m just repeating what was written by Robinson above
Right? Seems purdy significant.
Ouch
Can we bring back the downvote option only for this comment please? (Talking about Darryl’s comment)
SF wears out QBS more than DAL wears out running backs! Fact
I think SF needs some Kyler Murray…maybe we can take one or two of those fellas off your hands …he’s great! Cmon..what do you say?
Uh, he’s out for the year according to Murray…..
Funny how no one is mentioning improving the offensive line, especially the right side!
I think both injuries Sunday happened on a TE blocking assignment so it could be a scheme issue potentially. They should definitely look to improve that line too though.
When it rains it pours…..
Playing QB for SF might now be more dangerous than drumming for Spinal Tap…
…and spontaneously combusting.
Should of never put him back in. Would of been a bigger threat letting mccaffery qb… and not challenging the big one handed throw??? Come on man
That’s what I was thinking the entire second half. They would have had a better shot running a wildcat than just accepting Purdy couldn’t throw
Easier said than done, though. It’s not like they have a full slate of wildcat plays designed, installed, and ready to go in case they lose every single quarterback.
Time for Brady!!!
How ironic would that be if we went from Garoppolo being the heir-apparent to Brady to Brady being the heir-apparent to Garoppolo?
There goes that !!!