What does Brock Purdy's future as 49ers QB hold after suffering torn UCL?

Richard Obert, Arizona Republic
·2 min read
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The Brock Purdy buzz of having him return home to play in the Super Bowl ended on the San Francisco 49ers' first drive in Sunday's NFL title game.

Former Cardinal Haasan Reddick of the Philadelphia Eagles hit Purdy's right arm as he was trying to throw a pass. It was ruled a fumble. The Eagles recovered. And Purdy's storybook rookie season was over. He returned in the second half only after fourth-string quarterback Josh Johnson was knocked out of the game with a concussion.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick, right, causes a fumble by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick, right, causes a fumble by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

With a completely torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, Purdy could only hand off to Christian McCaffrey and threw two short passes the rest of the way in a 31-7 loss that sends the Eagles to Glendale next week for Super Bowl 57 to take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

An MRI on Monday reportedly revealed that Purdy suffered a complete tear of the UCL. Early reports have him out for six months. But if it requires Tommy John surgery, that could be a lengthy rehab that could jeopardize his 2023 season, depending on how fast he heals.

Purdy told reporters he is seeking more tests. If the surgery is more of a repair and not reconstructive elbow surgery, then Purdy could be back in six months.

Read more: Brock Purdy, 49ers ousted by Eagles in NFC title game

"Honestly, what matters to me most is being able to play for the season," Purdy told reporters. "There are some options to weigh and make a final decision soon."

There is no doubt the former Gilbert Perry High School and Iowa State quarterback will put in the work to get back on the field as soon as he can. He'll have a chance to prove himself all over again. And he's done it his whole life in high school, in college and during that eight-game stretch where he led the 49ers to victories as the 262nd and final pick of the NFL Draft.

The 49ers know what Purdy is capable of accomplishing, so don't count him out.

Related: Missed opportunities make Super Bowl 57 sour for Arizona Cardinals

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What Brock Purdy's future holds as 49ers QB after suffering torn UCL