John Lynch says QB Brock Purdy could have UCL surgery next week
49ers GM John Lynch gave an update on QB Brock Purdy Tuesday at the NFL Combine, stating that Purdy could have elbow surgery as soon as next week.
Watch: 49ers Training Camp Storylines: Injury Updates, Big Stakes For 2026 & More | 26 mins
To kick off the 2023 NFL Combine, San Francisco 49ers’ general manager John Lynch spoke to the media, starting with an update on quarterback Brock Purdy.
After delaying surgery on his torn UCL earlier this month, Lynch stated Purdy will meet with Dr. Meister in Arizona this week. If the swelling has subsided, elbow surgery could take place as early as next week in Texas. The San Francisco GM was thankful for Dr. Meister and his medical staff, appreciative of handling their quarterback with such care.
“I really appreciate the courage and the conviction to make that decision. It’s all about the best outcome. Is it ideal? No,” Lynch said at the NFL Combine Tuesday. “But ultimately he’s [23] years old. We want the best outcome and that’s what Dr. Meister made, a really tough decision and we’re very appreciative…When you have all the swelling and stiffness out, that’s when you have the best outcome.”
Although a six-month timeline has been the initial diagnosis, Lynch and the medical staff are still wary of different outcomes, not knowing the full extent of the injury until they go under the knife.
“He doesn’t have a crystal ball,” Lynch stated. “And every player is different, every person is different. So timelines are just, they’re guidelines, but you know, we’ll see.”
The unknown for Purdy has allowed QB Trey Lance to take center stage in the 49ers’ locker room.
Lance has been recovering from a fractured ankle suffered in Week 2 last season. The QB has progressed well in his rehab, expected to be full-go for OTAs in May.
John Lynch provides an update on Trey Lance's progress. pic.twitter.com/P2ymPijcQ6
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 28, 2023
“I’m watching Trey out there taking drops each day,” Lynch said. “I don’t see a limp. He’s really recovering well. He’s doing a nice job. He just started throwing here. He’s rehabbing really well.”
Only featured in eight contests over two seasons, the key for Lance is seeing the field in 2023. And the 49ers seem steadfast on giving him a chance to compete for the starting job, confident that he can bounce back in a big way.
“He’s gotta play. That’s the biggest challenge,” John Lynch said about Lance. “We have a team that’s ready to go. He has to get out there and play. We very much believe in who he is as a person, and who he is as a quarterback.”
Despite having two young prospects at the position, San Francisco will likely look in free agency or the draft for another gunslinger next season.
“We may have to look into the quarterback market in addition to Brock and Trey to insulate ourselves from what might happen,” Lynch said.
An option floated around has been bringing Jimmy Garoppolo back for another season. But just like at the end-of-the-year presser, Lynch and Co. shut down those notions pretty quickly.
#49ers GM John Lynch on Jimmy Garoppolo: “He’s been tremendous for us… we won a lot of football games with Jimmy.” He went on to say the 49ers and JG have probably run its course,
and he expects to the QB to play great football for another team.— Lindsey Pallares (@lindseylares) February 28, 2023
“I do believe it’s probably run its course. Jimmy’s going to go and play good football for somebody,” John Lynch stated, thanking Jimmy G for his time with the 49ers.
Click here to watch John Lynch’s full 2023 NFL Combine presser
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