The San Francisco 49ers’ hopes for a deep playoff run took a worrisome turn in the final minutes of their Week 17 loss to the Detroit Lions. Quarterback Brock Purdy, the rookie sensation who has led the team’s resurgence, exited the game with a concerning elbow injury that has the Niners on edge as they prepare for the postseason.
“Arm Was on Fire”: Purdy Describes Alarming Sensation
Late in the fourth quarter, Purdy took a sack that left him in obvious discomfort. “I got hit on the backside and basically just my arm was on fire kind of thing,” Purdy recalled after the game. “I tried throwing a couple on the sideline and I couldn’t at that point.”
The description immediately raised red flags, as Purdy had torn the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in that same right elbow during last season’s NFC Championship Game loss to the Eagles. While initial testing suggested the UCL remained intact this time, the 49ers still have reason for concern.
Nerve Issue Suspected as Purdy Undergoes Further Testing
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said team doctors believe Purdy is dealing with “some nerve stuff” rather than a ligament injury. However, a more definitive diagnosis will have to wait until the QB undergoes further imaging on Tuesday.
We did some tests with UCL stuff and I’m good in that regard, but we’ve just got to go get imaging on it tomorrow and see the whole thing.
Brock Purdy on his elbow injury
If the nerve issue proves minor, Purdy could potentially play through it or recover in time for the 49ers’ first playoff game. But any damage or prolonged impairment of the nerves controlling his throwing arm would be a devastating blow for a team with championship aspirations.
Backup QB Concerns Amplify Anxiety in San Francisco
Compounding the worries, Purdy’s current backups inspire little confidence. Josh Johnson, the journeyman who replaced Purdy on Monday, has bounced around to 14 different NFL teams in his career. Meanwhile, the Niners only added CJ Beathard back to the roster two weeks ago after losing QB2 Jimmy Garoppolo to a season-ending foot injury.
The 49ers may need to consider external options like signing another veteran free agent as an insurance policy. But their Super Bowl hopes unquestionably depend on a healthy Purdy.
Season Finale Leaves Shanahan with QB Quandary
Shanahan said Purdy’s status for Sunday’s largely meaningless regular season finale against the Cardinals remains up in the air. He suggested Josh Johnson could start over veteran Brandon Allen given the current state of the offensive line.
The 49ers have already clinched the NFC West but cannot earn a first-round bye. So they must weigh the benefits of getting Purdy more reps against the risk of exposing him to further injury ahead of the games that matter most.
Nervous Days Ahead for Niners Nation
Tuesday’s MRI results on Purdy’s throwing elbow will go a long way toward determining if the 49ers remain on the short list of Super Bowl contenders or see their championship dreams dashed before the playoffs even begin. For a team that has endured a relentless barrage of injuries, especially at quarterback, this nerve-wracking wait for a prognosis feels painfully familiar.
The 49ers faithful can only hope this latest twist in their QB saga has a happier ending than last season’s. Because without a healthy Brock Purdy at the helm, their magical run may meet an abrupt finish.
