49ers' Brock Purdy discusses options, reveals recovery timeline for elbow injury

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy confirmed Tuesday he hasn't yet made a final decision regarding how to treat the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. 

As shared by Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, 49ers team doctors recommended that Purdy undergo surgery. 

"I think in that scenario that would be six months ready to go. I think in that scenario they said after three months, you can start throwing and getting into a throwing program and getting into a routine," Purdy told reporters about his upcoming recovery. "I think six months would be like when you’re allowed to just go and practice and be part of everything. That’s a scenario, but I definitely have some other options, too." 

Purdy experienced the setback early in this past Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia smashed San Francisco 31-7 largely because the 49ers didn't have a throwing quarterback for much of the game's second half. 

Purdy added that he should "be ready come [training] camp" and will hopefully be cleared "to play for the season."

Purdy initially shifted up the San Francisco depth chart when Week 1 starter Trey Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury in September. The final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft then guided the 49ers to a victory over the Miami Dolphins after Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a broken foot on Dec. 4. That was the start of an incredible run that resulted in Purdy receiving love in Offensive Rookie of the Year conversations. 

Purdy went 5-0 in his regular-season starts and notched playoff wins over the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys before his injury. According to ESPN stats, his regular-season total QBR of 65.4 would've been good for fifth in that category among qualified passers. 

Purdy's recovery timeline suggests the 49ers will still have many unanswered questions about his status when the new league year opens in March. Despite his handful of impressive outings, Purdy could begin the 2023 season as a backup with the Niners behind either Lance or current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, among other options.