49ers' Brock Purdy reportedly could return in early August after surgery

It appears rookie quarterback Brock Purdy may be able to help the San Francisco 49ers next season, after all. 

Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reported Monday that "signs continue to point toward" Purdy having surgery to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow that he suffered in the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 29. 

A source told Maiocco that "the likely outcome of surgery will be a consensus toward Purdy requiring an internal brace, and not the longer recovery required for Tommy John surgery." 

Ideally, the 23-year-old will complete a three-month recovery following the procedure ahead of "a three-month buildup" to work toward the goal of returning to practice in early August.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Adickes raised eyebrows during an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show" last week when he said he thought Purdy could miss one entire season coming off Tommy John surgery. 

While Maiocco's update is certainly more encouraging, 49ers general manager John Lynch reminded fans last week that "everybody will also say you never know until you get in there" regarding Purdy's upcoming surgery. 

As things stand today, 2022 Week 1 starter Trey Lance is on track to begin springtime workouts atop the 49ers' depth chart at the sport's most important position as he continues his recovery from the season-ending ankle injury he suffered on Sept. 18. 

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan made it clear last week he doesn't "see any scenario" where Jimmy Garoppolo will remain with the organization, although club legend Joe Montana believes Shanahan should rethink that position before Garoppolo hits free agency at the start of the new league year in March. 

Garoppolo took over as San Francisco's QB1 after Lance went down in Week 2 and won six of nine starts before the 31-year-old suffered a broken foot on Dec. 4. 

The 49ers had been heavily linked in stories and rumors with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, but Brady sounds committed to staying retired following his announcement last Wednesday. 

Even if Brady un-retires for a second time, it's thought he'll only play for the Buccaneers.