Brock Purdy was the latest victim of the 49ers quarterback curse this season.
The third-stringer injured his right elbow on the final play of the team’s first drive, when Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick strip-sacked him after getting past tight end Tyler Kroft. Purdy would return in the third quarter after fourth-stringer Josh Johnson suffered a concussion, but could only muster up a couple of short screen passes the rest of the way, calling the injury "extremely painful."
Purdy told reporters that he is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the 49ers are hoping Purdy is only out for six weeks.
If Purdy's UCL was ruptured, he may require to undergo Tommy John surgery, which is typical among MLB pitchers and usually keeps them out a year.
“My arm just felt like it stretched out,” Purdy said. “Just felt like really a lot of shocks all over from my elbow down to my wrist, front and back. Just pain, really, all over.”
Purdy added that he had some swelling in his “forearm area near the elbow” so we’ll be eagerly waiting the results to see if there’s any serious damage.
After being sidelined, Purdy made a trip to the blue tent and tried to make throws but couldn’t get enough zip on the ball.
“Even in those throws, it was painful,” Purdy said. “I couldn’t throw anything probably over 10 yards, five yards. That’s why we just had some screens. Those were really the only option when I came back in.”
Purdy ended up making two more passes, a 3-yarder to Christian McCaffrey and a one-yard gain to George Kittle, finishing 4-of-4 for 24 yards in a crushing NFC Championship debut.
Looking ahead, the 49ers now have two young quarterbacks coming off injuries, as Trey Lance injured his foot and ankle in Week 2. The 22-year-old Lance has been attending every quarterback meeting possible since being injured and undergoing two surgeries.
Once again, the 49ers could have some quarterback drama heading into training camp this summer if Purdy’s injury is serious.
Will this injury impact the team’s ideas about bringing back Jimmy Garoppolo on another incentive-laden contract? Will the 49ers jump into the Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady sweepstakes? Stay tuned.
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