Brock Purdy's journey to starting an NFC championship game for a Super Bowl favourite is one of the more unlikely stories seen in the league for years.
Purdy had been an impressive quarterback at Iowa State, consistently performing at an above average level, but not showing many traits to impress scouts that he could become a competent quarterback at NFL level.
Projected to be an undrafted free agent, Purdy was eventually selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the final pick of the draft, giving him the unfortunate title of 'Mr Irrelevant'.
He would come into the season having a slim chance of even making the roster, with two quarterbacks already on the team in Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, but the Niners chose to go with all three.
Lance would be the starter, after the team gave up three first round picks to select him, looking for an upgrade from Garoppolo who had struggled in big games in recent years.
But after Lance was ruled out with a season ending injury, 'Jimmy G' was thrust back in as the starter - making Purdy the back up. Garoppolo continued at his usual level, doing enough to win games but not elevating those around him, before he also suffered with a season-ending injury.
ThiS saw Purdy enter the fray an would go on to win all seven of his regular season games, before impressing in playoff wins over the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys.
Whilst Purdy has been impressive, his game has also been criticised by some, who argue that the coaching staff are making the offense easy for Purdy to run.
But many see Purdy as a special quarterback, with one pundit stating he does not believe this is just a fluke and the rookie will not fall apart.
Speaking on The Ringer NFL Show, Benjamin Solak said: "I think this theory that Purdy's going to fall apart, I just don't see it happening. I think the Niners have a higher floor with Purdy than they do with Jimmy G or Trey Lance. I just do not think the meltdown is going to come."
Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan has revealed that Garoppolo could potentially be available for the game, but it would be a huge shock to see Purdy benched at this point.
