AP source: 49ers’ Purdy tore right elbow ligament

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy tore a ligament in his pitching elbow, questioning his standing for the start of next season.

A person familiar with the injury has confirmed the diagnosis of the injury Purdy suffered during the NFC title game. The person spoke on condition of anonymity as the team has not released details of the injury.

NFL Network first reported that Purdy tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm and said he would seek a second opinion to find out if he needed repair or reconstruction.

An elbow repair would typically result in Purdy being sidelined for six months, meaning he could return near the start of training camp. A rebuild would likely sideline Purdy for the 2023 season.

The San Francisco quarterback’s latest injury throws another wrench in their future plans at that position. Their Week 1 starter of this season, Trey Lance, suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2 that required follow-up surgery last month.

Jimmy Garoppolo replaced Lance, but broke his foot in Week 13 and is eligible to be a free agent in March.

Purdy took over and won his first seven starts as a rookie before being injured in the first practice of the NFC Championship Game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

“My arm felt like it was stretched,” Purdy said after the game. “It felt like a lot of bumps everywhere, from my elbow all the way to my wrist. Front and rear. Just pain everywhere.

Purdy came back into the game in the second half after substitute Josh Johnson left with a concussion and mostly could only put the ball back. He attempted two passes with the injured elbow with neither passing 1 yard beyond the line of scrimmage.

“I couldn’t throw anything more than 5-10 yards,” he said. “That’s why we only had a few screens. It was our only option when I got back.

Purdy, who was selected with the final pick in the 2022 draft, was a revelation when he was forced into action. He threw for 1,374 yards, 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions in the regular season.

Purdy helped the Niners win their first two playoff games, throwing for 546 yards and three touchdowns without turnovers in wins over Seattle and Dallas. Purdy was the third rookie to earn two playoff starts.

Purdy’s 108 passer rating in the regular season and playoffs combined is the all-time best for a rookie with at least 200 attempts.

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