Brock Purdy’s 2024 season may have hit a potential roadblock, but it seems the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback has avoided a major injury scare.
After the 49ers’ 40-34 loss to the Detroit Lions in their final home game of the season, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the status of Purdy’s injury, which occurred in the final two minutes of the game following a sack by Brian Branch.
Purdy, who had been playing with steady form all season, visibly grimaced after attempting to throw on the sideline, sparking concerns that he might have sustained an injury similar to the torn elbow ligaments that sidelined him during the 2022 NFC Championship Game. Fans and analysts alike began to fear the worst, recalling the lengthy recovery Purdy underwent ahead of the 2023 campaign.
In his postgame press conference, Shanahan provided a hopeful update, suggesting that Purdy is dealing with a “nerve issue” in his elbow, rather than a more severe injury. He confirmed that the quarterback would undergo an MRI on Tuesday to get a clearer picture of the situation.
“I know when everyone hears ‘Brock’s elbow’ and ‘nerve stuff,’ it takes you right back to the injury from a couple of years ago,” Shanahan said. “But after speaking with a few doctors, it looks like he just got hit in the right spot. When you get hit there, your nerves can go numb, and you can’t feel much. Hopefully, it’ll be alright.”
Purdy, too, offered a reassuring perspective, sharing that his arm felt “on fire” immediately after the hit. Despite his discomfort, he remained optimistic, saying he tried throwing a few passes on the sideline but couldn’t get a proper feel for the ball. “It just felt heavy in the moment,” Purdy explained. “Tomorrow we’ll have an answer.”
While the sensation in Purdy’s arm certainly seemed concerning, both he and Shanahan stressed that the injury was not similar to the one that plagued him in Philadelphia in January 2023. That injury, which involved a torn UCL, ultimately derailed the 49ers’ playoff hopes and required a significant recovery period. Purdy quickly allayed concerns, saying, “We did some tests for UCL stuff, and I’m good in that regard. But we just need to get imaging and see the whole thing.”
The MRI results, scheduled for Tuesday, will provide critical information that could determine whether Purdy will be available for the 49ers’ regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. While it appears unlikely that the injury will be as serious as initially feared, the outcome of the MRI will hold significant implications. Not only will it impact Purdy’s ability to suit up for the final game of the regular season, but it could also play a crucial role in his future with the team.
As Purdy enters the off-season, the health of his elbow could influence the terms of a potential contract extension, which will be a key focus for both Purdy and the 49ers’ front office. Given the current situation, the team and fans alike are hoping for good news, but Purdy’s determination and the medical evaluations will ultimately shape the next chapter of his career.
