Brock Purdy is more focused on getting ‘healthy’ than being the starting QB at training camp

Apr 5, 2023, 2:52 PM | Updated: 3:50 pm

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

After a stellar rookie season, quarterback Brock Purdy has been given the starting nod by the 49ers for the 2023 season. But that’s when he comes back from injury.

Despite being called “the leader in the clubhouse” by general manager John Lynch recently, Purdy isn’t focused on that. His priority, for now, is to come back strong from off-season elbow surgery.

“For me, I have to get healthy first; that’s how I’m looking at it,” Brock Purdy said last week on FOX Sports 910’s Roc and Manuch with Jimmy B. “Day by day, I have to get healthy. Everything will fall into place from there.”

The Arizona native underwent surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right elbow last month, keeping him on the sidelines for at least six months. Purdy can begin a throwing program 12 weeks post-surgery, putting him on track to be cleared to play around the start of Week 1 of the 2023 regular season.

Of course, Brock wants to build on his incredible run last season, but for now, it’s about taking care of his throwing arm the right way. And once he’s back on the field, he’s ready to compete just like he did in 2022.

“Other than that, man, I love my teammates. I love to compete, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to help this organization win. And that’s how I’m looking at it. And nothing more than that,” Purdy stated.

The 49ers are well aware that it will take some time before the former Mr. Irrelevant is ready to go, allowing him to do his rehab in Arizona before rejoining the team later in the summer.

“We start Phase 1 [on April 17] and I expect everyone back at that time,” coach Kyle Shanahan previously said. “I think he will do his rehab down here [in Arizona], and then I’m sure he will move it to us.”

San Francisco & Shanahan have brought in reinforcements to circumvent their lack of depth, signing QB Sam Darnold to a one-year deal this spring. Also having Trey Lance on the roster, the Red & Gold will take a cautious approach to the season for Purdy, allowing him to recover at his own speed.

“He won’t be able to do anything on the field until, who knows,” Shanahan added. “It can be anywhere from six months to eight months. I think we’ll have a better idea…at three months out of surgery, they’ll have a better idea whether it’ll be six months or eight months. That’s how it heals. That’s all I know and I’m good with that.

“We’ll see in three months if he’ll be ready for camp. If Brock throws, and he’s a little sore, it might be Week 1. I’m hearing at the latest it might be Week 4. It’s all estimations. We’ll see what happens.”