Brock Purdy underwent successful UCL surgery Friday. The 49ers quarterback had indicated a mid-operation course change that pivoted to a more invasive procedure could take place, but Mike Garafolo of NFL.com notes (via Twitter) that did not happen.
The elbow surgery went according to plan; Dr. Keith Meister performed an internal brace procedure — one that will allow for a quicker recovery. This will keep Purdy on track for a return by Week 1.
This operation proceeding as planned should allow Purdy to resume throwing in around three months, Garafolo adds. This would put the seventh-round sensation on schedule to ramp up his work at training camp. Full clearance is expected to come after approximately six months, which would run up against Week 1.
Friday’s successful surgery will give the Iowa State product a better chance of being ready to go by that point. Purdy undergoing Tommy John surgery, an elbow reconstruction procedure, would not have sidelined him for as long as it typically does pitchers. But it would have threatened his availability for much of next season.
The first-quarter play that injured Purdy’s elbow effectively ended the 49ers’ season a bit early, halting the rookie quarterback from making an impact the rest of the way in the NFC championship game. Purdy returned to action following a Josh Johnson concussion, but he was under strict limitations that led to the 49ers’ offense essentially playing out the string. But the form Purdy showed prior to his injury will make him a key factor for the team in 2023.
Although Trey Lance is expected to be ready for OTAs, the former No. 3 overall pick may still be staring at a backup gig. Had Purdy not gone down, he was expected to remain San Francisco’s starter. This elbow issue may throw a wrench in that, and John Lynch said the 49ers may need to add a veteran quarterback — likely a backup-type option given the current makeup of the team’s QB room — to join Lance and Purdy. Should Purdy make it back before the season, he should still have a good chance of returning as the starter.
‘…The elbow surgery went according to plan…’
Have you ever a doctor say ‘it was an ok surgery. I wasn’t fully on my game today….’.
Kinda like, “this might pinch” a bit.
I actually had to go through the WORST bedside manner ever!!! Had some lung surgery done; the doctor came to see me the evening before as he’s supposed to. He asked if I was worried about the operation and I said no, I seemed to be in good hands. Not kidding, this guy said, “You probably should worry.”
So I guess answering your question, YES!
I’m glad you’re commenting! I hope the surgery went well for you.
Not sure why everyone doesn’t use IB. Every source I’ve read seems to indicate it’s better in every way.
Simple answer: Depends on where the strain or tear is on the ligament. It’s not an option every time. The severity of the tear is also a factor.
Trey Lance is one of the biggest busts ever, and everyone knew that would happen too. How could you rightfully spend that capital on a guy who played 17 college games in 3 seasons.
Imagine how much better they would be without that trade, the silver lining was finding Purdy
Still I wonder a couple things:
First, how will Purdy be when he returns? Was 2022 a good barometer of what he can do or will he return to earth next season?
Second, do you have that much faith in both of these guys that once again, the idea is to get rid of Garoppolo?
Third, how do you list Lance as the back up when Purdy won’t be available until week 1?
I like the fact that Purdy is a nice story and like you, wonder what they saw in Lance. But I also have to wonder about the current thinking in SF. Seems like a mess
I truly think SF assumes just about any capable QB they put in there can succeed in that system. Watching Purdy though, he looked poised, calm, and really did show some promise. I mean I’m a Steelers fan, and I’d rather have him than Pickett from what I saw. (Some of that is on the Steelers offensive system and not Pickett himself but it’s hard to wonder a little where we’d be with using the 1st last year somewhere else) Now, like you said who knows what he will bring to the table with more tape on him, and recovering from the injury. It’s a true toss up, and if I were SF, I wouldn’t bank on him. I’d be looking at someone like Brissett, or maybe Minshew, to ‘compete’ (I’d start them) with Lance. The niners I believe are going to still go with Lance to try to justify the draft decision, whether right or wrong, and bring in some type of veteran backup for when that plan inevitably fails.
I’m a Pittsburgher and lifelong Steelers fan too. I was happy they took Kenny and can say he showed a lot of promise and provided a great deal of optimism for the future, but I’m not buying in on the “He’s gonna be great” mantra just yet. He has a long way to go and although they went 7-2 down the stretch, this is a team with a great many holes, not the least of which is still the o-line
Your point is well taken. Place Kenny behind the Niners line and with those offensive schemes, he’s probably a star, too. Truly, the biggest thing ailing the Steelers offense is their own coordinator
Garrappalo always makes you nervous when he drops back. He doesn’t make any mistakes but when he does, it’s a big one. He also can’t throw downfield. These are the main reasons why JG can’t go back.
Purdy did lead the highest scoring offense once he became the starter. The offense operated much differently with him than JG because he can do more things than Jimmy did. His poise was that of a veteran and if Purdy makes a mistake- you’re okay with it as a 9er fan because of his lack of draft capital and experience but JG is the vet and shouldn’t be making the same costly mistakes.
Lance though is a great athlete. Whether he becomes a great QB- we’ll see. I’m hoping for his sake he could look at Murray as his floor. If he had Purdy’s poise he would be the better choice I think because he’s most gifted with better physical tools but he never looked comfortable out there.
Just adding that I too was impressed with Purdy’s poise and leadership, maybe doubly so considering the situation he was thrown into. Hope he gets healthy so we can see if he can continue to lead the team at a high level. Good story, plus he was fun to watch.
purdys got the swagger i just wish the ball would come out of his hands a little better. it is unfortunate he doesn’t have this offseason to work on that.
Let’s hope Purdy recovers fully, as it would be a shame to have an injury cause a premature end to his fairy tale.