49ers Brock Purdy injured, Josh Johnson replaces him in NFC Championship game

Everything that could have gone wrong, did for the San Francisco 49ers to start the NFC Championship game in Philadelphia. Losing rookie quarterback Brock Purdy was the cherry on top.

Purdy was injured in the first quarter of the conference title game Sunday, when outside linebacker Haason Reddick hit the quarterback’s throwing arm as he was attempting a pass. The play resulted in an incomplete pass initially before the Eagles challenged the call and it was reversed to a fumble.

Brock Purdy injured his wrist on this play and didn’t return for the 49ers next drive pic.twitter.com/Vb5ZM9kb68

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) January 29, 2023

Purdy was unable to go back in to the contest from there, tossing a few balls on the sideline before returning to bench. The medical staff has been working on the rookie QB, calling it an injury to his right elbow. Purdy was then seen with a heat pack wrapped on the elbow, trying to keep it loose if he can manage to come back into the game.

Josh Johnson took over for injured Purdy, struggling in the first playoff game of his career. He finished the half with five completions for 51 passing yards.

He also contributed a brutal fumble after dropping the snap under two minutes to go in the first half. Philadelphia recovered and scored their third touchdown of the day three plays later.

Brock Purdy appears to tell Kyle Shanahan that he can’t throw.

This would be a brutal loss for SF. pic.twitter.com/saROAkXm4n

— JPA (@jasrifootball) January 29, 2023

Purdy has been a revelation since taking the reins in San Francisco, a candidate for offensive rookie of the year after only five regular season starts. Through nine games in his career, the Arizona native has thrown for 1374 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also has passer rating of 107.3 in his career.

Purdy will not start the second half as Johnson will remain the starter.

Follow @AmilianoFragoso

Newsletter