Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Could Steelers face 2022 rookie sensation QB in Week 1?

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 5/31/23

The Steelers know they are hosting the 49ers to kick off their 2023 season, but who San Francisco's starting quarterback will be has been much debated. One NFL insider believes he knows who the starter Week 1 will be.

"Right before the start of the season, probably early September, [Brock Purdy] should be around 100 percent," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "If this continues to be the case, then you are looking, realistically, he could maybe start Week 1."

"Brock Purdy should be around 100% right before the start of the season barring any setbacks" ~ @RapSheet #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/CllpWfMkFl
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 30, 2023

Purdy underwent a procedure to repair his torn Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL), an injury to his throwing elbow. He is expected to begin throwing this week, which would mean he is on track or even ahead of schedule.

"This is probably going about as well as they could have hoped after the surgery," Rapoport added.

Purdy is not guaranteed to be the starter if healthy but fellow quarterbacks Trey Lance and Sam Darnold have not made a strong case for themselves. If Purdy can get healthy in time to compete, he could certainly win the starting job.

Many fans in Pittsburgh are hoping it's Purdy Week 1 after it has been debated who the best quarterback to come out of the 2022 NFL Draft is. Kenny Pickett saw the field more as a rookie but Purdy had the better touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Only time will tell but many in the Steel City are wishing Purdy a quick and full recovery in hopes that the debate is finally settled Week 1.

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