Brock Purdy to miss 6 months with stunning injury

The championship aspirations of the San Francisco 49ers came to a disappointing end last night at Lincoln Financial Field, dropping a 31-7 decision at the hands of the host Philadelphia Eagles who advanced to the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, the 49ers head back home to pick up the pieces as they enter an uncertain offseason. 

They were still somehow able to make it within one win of qualifying for the Super Bowl despite losing starting quarterback Trey Lance to a season-ending injury in Week 2 and backup Jimmy Garoppolo to a broken foot in Week 13.

This meant that the responsibilities fell to 3rd stringer Brock Purdy, who was the final pick (262nd overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, his inspiring run was over last night after a hit from Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick, resulting in a torn UCL that reportedly will keep him on the sidelines for the next six months. 

The News was first reported by NFL Insider Tom Pelissero: 

"#49ers QB Brock Purdy suffered a complete tear of the UCL in his throwing elbow and will undergo surgery, per sources.

Purdy is getting second opinions, but the initial hope is he can undergo a repair — not reconstruction (AKA Tommy John) — and will be ready for training camp."

Purdy would be replaced in the game by veteran Josh Johnson, who would inexplicably get injured himself after his head smacked the ground after taking a hard hit; he would be ruled out with a concussion. Running back Christian McCaffrey was then slotted in at quarterback, though Purdy himself would ultimately re-enter the game, albeit briefly. 

Regardless of the disappointing ending, it certainly was a terrific story of how the literal final selection of the 2022 NFL Draft was able to help his team advance to their 2nd straight NFC Championship game.