Report: 49ers QB Brock Purdy tore UCL in NFC Championship, MRI confirms

Suffering an injury in the NFL Championship game hurts, but the news Monday surrounding Brock Purdy is even worse.

An MRI confirmed that quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a complete tear to his UCL in his right elbow Sunday, according to multiple reports. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero was first with the news, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirming it a few minutes later.

While the injury is a complete tear to the ligament, Purdy will get a second opinion as he tries to avoid Tommy John surgery. If he can do that, he’ll be out for six months due to a repair, instead of a reconstruction, of his right elbow. Surgery will likely still be necessary for the young QB, with the 49ers recommending he should do so.

This explains why Brock Purdy couldn’t throw after taking a nasty hit in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game. An absolute warrior for even getting back on the field. https://t.co/uxmZh2dc8y

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 30, 2023

Purdy suffered the injury to his right elbow on the first series Sunday in Philly when Eagles’ outside linebacker Haason Reddick struck his arm while he was attempting a pass. The ball sputtered off Purdy’s hands and landed a few yards downfield for Philadelphia to recover. Initially ruled an incompletion pass, a Philadelphia challenge was used to overturn the call to a fumble.

Describing the pain in his elbow as “shocks all over from my elbow down to my wrist, front and back,” Purdy knew right away that something was wrong with his arm.

Brock Purdy describes his injury and why he feels bad for his teammates pic.twitter.com/o5MNM0dojg

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) January 30, 2023

“I told [49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan] right there if we run a play, I can’t throw deep. It’s hurting really bad. If we’re going to get a complete, it has to be something short, if that’s alright,” Purdy said postgame.

Unable to attempt a pass downfield for the remainder of the day, the 49ers‘ offense stalled out in the second half.

The UCL injury is generally seen in baseball pitchers, often having Tommy John surgery to fix the tear in the elbow. Purdy hopes to avoid the complicated procedure, as it could affect his throwing ability permanently.

With a best-case scenario recovery timeline of six months, Purdy could be back on the field in time for the preseason. But after Year 1 in the NFL, this offseason was pivotal for his development long-term.

Related

Faithful Flashbacks #35: Signing Deion Sanders49ers Training Camp: Biggest Storylines to WatchFaithful Flashbacks #36: Harbaugh Takes Over49ers Training Camp: Health, Brock Purdy & the Aging Core Take Center StageFaithful Flashbacks #37: Mostert Runs WildFaithful Flashbacks #38: Montana’s First Start