San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has officially announced that quarterback Brock Purdy will not participate in the team’s season finale against the Arizona Cardinals due to a right elbow contusion. This decision comes after Purdy underwent an MRI, which revealed that while he avoided a long-term injury, he is not fit to play this week.

Purdy sustained the injury during the fourth quarter of the 49ers’ recent loss to the Detroit Lions, where he was sacked by safety Brian Branch. After attempting to throw a football on the sidelines, Purdy signaled to the coaching staff that something was wrong. Fortunately, the MRI results indicated that his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is intact, alleviating fears of a serious setback similar to the one he experienced in the 2022 NFC Championship Game.

Shanahan expressed relief over the MRI results, stating, “Most likely gonna miss this week, but no long-term issues. UCL looks fine.” He emphasized that while it’s disappointing for Purdy to miss the season finale, the team is focused on preparing for their matchup against Arizona.

Despite the challenges faced this season, including injuries and inconsistent performances from the team, Purdy has managed to compile impressive statistics. He finishes the season with 3,864 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. As he enters a crucial offseason ahead of his final year under his rookie contract in 2025, there is considerable anticipation regarding a potential contract extension.

With Purdy sidelined, the 49ers will need to rely on their backup quarterback options as they aim to close out the season on a positive note. Shanahan has indicated that he is evaluating all positions but remains optimistic about his team’s ability to compete despite this setback.

As fans await further updates on Purdy’s recovery and future with the team, Shanahan’s leadership will be critical in navigating this transition. The focus now shifts to how the 49ers will approach their game against the Cardinals and what this means for their playoff aspirations moving forward.

Kyle Shanahan’s announcement regarding Brock Purdy’s status for the season finale underscores both the challenges and resilience of the 49ers as they navigate injuries and roster decisions. With significant implications for both Purdy’s future and the team’s performance in mind, all eyes will be on how San Francisco adapts in this pivotal moment of their season.