Niners QB Brock Purdy Injured Right Elbow in Loss to Lions, Will Undergo Testing Tuesday
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a concerning right elbow injury during the team’s 27-23 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter when Purdy was sacked by Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
Purdy Exits Game with Injury
Purdy immediately grabbed his right elbow after the hit and was visibly in pain. He walked off the field under his own power and did not return to the game. Backup quarterback Josh Johnson replaced Purdy and finished the game for the Niners.
Status Update and Further Testing
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed after the game that Purdy injured his right elbow and will undergo further testing on Tuesday. The severity of the injury is not yet known, but Shanahan said Purdy will likely miss the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins.
Background on Purdy’s Rise to Starting Role
Purdy, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has been a surprise starter for the 49ers this season. He took over the starting role after Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo suffered season-ending injuries.
In his seven starts, Purdy has led the Niners to a 5-2 record, including a win over the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs. He has thrown for 1,374 yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Impact on 49ers’ Playoff Hopes
Purdy’s injury is a major blow to the 49ers’ playoff hopes. The Niners currently hold the No. 2 seed in the NFC, but they need to win their remaining two games to secure a first-round bye.
If Purdy is unable to play in the upcoming game against the Dolphins, Johnson will likely start in his place. Johnson has limited starting experience, but he has shown flashes of potential in the past.
Possible Timeline for Return
The severity of Purdy’s injury will ultimately determine his timeline for return. If it is a minor injury, he could potentially return for the Niners’ final regular-season game against the Arizona Cardinals on January 8.
However, if the injury is more serious, Purdy could miss the entire playoffs. The Niners have a bye in the Wild Card round, but they would likely need Purdy to be healthy to make a deep run in the postseason.
Conclusion
Brock Purdy’s elbow injury is a significant concern for the San Francisco 49ers. The team will undergo further testing on Tuesday to determine the severity of the injury. Purdy’s status for the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins and the rest of the playoffs is uncertain.
If Purdy is unable to play, the Niners will likely turn to Josh Johnson at quarterback. Johnson has limited starting experience, but he will need to step up and play well if the Niners want to secure a first-round bye and make a deep run in the playoffs.