The 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy have explored multiple options for how to treat the torn ulnar collateral ligament in the rookie’s right elbow. On Wednesday, the team and Purdy finally decided on a path forward.
Purdy will undergo surgery to repair the ligament on Feb. 22, ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reports. The expected recovery time is six months, which would put Purdy back on the field sometime during training camp in August.
Purdy suffered the injury during San Francisco’s opening drive of the NFC championship game against the Eagles when he was hit by linebacker Haason Reddick while attempting a pass. He left the game but eventually returned in the second half when his replacement, Josh Johnson, was forced out of the game with a concussion.
Purdy was visibly limited in his return, unable to throw the ball more than a few yards downfield.
“The positive bit of news is that it seems to be consistent that the right approach is that one that takes about that six-month point,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said during his end-of-season press conference. “Now everybody will also say you never know until you get in there. Every surgeon will tell you that on every surgery. You always like getting in to see exactly … They’re continuing to work through that process, but we seem encouraged by the prognosis that that’s kind of where it’s at.”
After being the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Purdy emerged as San Francisco’s starter late in the year and immediately caught fire. He finished the regular season completing 67.1% of his pass attempts for 1,374 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions.
