49ers HC provides positive update on Brock Purdy's injury
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy may return soon after tearing the UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) in his right elbow during the NFC championship against the Eagles.
Per The Athletic's David Lombardi, San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said "that barring any setbacks, it expects Purdy to be back by training camp. He's been making throwing motions with a towel — not yet with a ball."
Purdy underwent surgery on his elbow on March 10 and expects to start throwing in June.
"The protocol is you start throwing at three months," the 23-year-old QB recently said, per The Mercury News. "There are definitely some boxes I have to check before I get to that point, but that's the plan as of right now."
Since Purdy's on the right track, it's excellent news for the 49ers. As a rookie, he went 5-0 as a starter. During his five starts, he threw 11 TDs and posted a 120.5 passer rating, well above the league average.
His play was pivotal to San Francisco's deep playoff run, culminating in its second consecutive conference championship appearance. Ultimately, he earned the role of the franchise's future QB.
The 49ers placed their bets on Purdy after they let former starter Jimmy Garoppolo walk in free agency.
Consequently, they lack a viable backup. Sam Darnold has a 21-34 record as a starter. The organization reportedly received trade offers for former first-rounder Trey Lance, implying they have lost confidence in him.
So the 49ers need Purdy to be ready for the regular season. He's critical to the franchise's future and could lead it to its first Super Bowl title in 29 years.
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