The San Francisco 49ers are facing an unexpected challenge as quarterback Brock Purdy deals with an elbow issue that has raised concerns for his health and the team’s playoff prospects. Following a 40-34 loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday night, Purdy described a shocking and familiar sensation in his right elbow after taking a sack late in the game.
Brock Purdy’s Elbow Nerve Issue Raises Concerns
With 1:45 left on the clock and the 49ers trailing by 12, Purdy dropped back for a shotgun snap and scanned the field, attempting to make a play despite the mounting pressure. He was soon chased down by Lions safety Brian Branch, who wrapped him up before defensive end Pat O’Connor came crashing down on him. The collision resulted in a hit to Purdy’s right elbow that left him visibly shaken.
“My arm was on fire,” Purdy explained after the game. “I tried throwing a couple of passes on the sideline but couldn’t at that point.”
Given Purdy’s history with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, sustained during the NFC Championship Game in January 2023, the fear of a recurring injury loomed large. After the initial shock of the injury, Purdy and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that while it was concerning, it did not appear to be a reinjury of the UCL. Instead, the doctors believed it to be a nerve issue, which would be a different concern altogether.
“We did some tests with UCL stuff, and I’m good in that regard,” Purdy said, offering reassurance. “But we’ve just got to get imaging on it tomorrow and see the whole thing.”
Shanahan’s immediate prognosis was optimistic. The coach mentioned that the injury was related to a nerve irritated by the hit rather than a tear to the ligament. However, as the team waits for more testing results, uncertainty remains about Purdy’s availability for the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals.
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“Just talking to the doctors, he got hit in the right spot,” Shanahan explained. “When you get hit there, your nerves go, and you can’t feel much. Hopefully, it will be all right.”
While the 49ers await further updates, the situation has added another layer of drama to what was already an emotional game for Purdy. Despite the discomfort in his elbow, Purdy’s determination was evident as he tried to return to the field, even though he was ultimately unable to continue playing. The 49ers were forced to turn to backup quarterback Josh Dobbs, who completed three of four passes for 35 yards and added a rushing touchdown. However, with the game slipping away, the 49ers could not recover the onside kick, ending their hopes for a dramatic comeback.
For Purdy, the injury brings physical pain and emotional frustration. “It has nothing to do with tapping out of the game or anything like that,” he said, explaining how hard it was for him to leave the field. “I love my teammates, and I’ll go to the very end for them and this fan base and everybody, so that’s what hurts me, is I couldn’t finish the game.”
Purdy’s commitment to playing through the injury underscores his mentality as a competitor, as he made it clear he wants to finish the season strong. “I want to be out on the field any chance I get,” Purdy emphasised, adding that he hopes to build momentum for the next season and prove his toughness to his teammates and fans.
The game’s result, however, was bittersweet for the 49ers. On one hand, Purdy had one of his most productive performances of the season, throwing for 377 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for a score. On the other hand, two costly interceptions in the second half, paired with his abrupt exit, overshadowed his performance and left the 49ers with a sense of missed opportunity.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions, led by quarterback Jared Goff, found redemption after their disappointing playoff loss to the 49ers last year. In his California homecoming, Goff threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns, securing the Lions’ first 8-0 road record in franchise history. Despite the game having no playoff implications, the Lions entered with a chip on their shoulder, determined to avenge last year’s NFC Championship defeat.
As the 49ers prepare for their season finale, they are left with lingering questions about Purdy’s elbow and the broader implications for their playoff aspirations. While Purdy and the team remain hopeful that the injury is minor, his status for the Arizona game is uncertain. Dobbs could get the start if Purdy cannot play, but the 49ers will undoubtedly hope for a speedy recovery for their starting quarterback.
As Purdy waits for further tests, he focuses on the bigger picture. “I’m a competitor, and I want to be out there for my team,” Purdy said. “That’s my mindset. I will do everything I can to be healthy and ready to go.”
The 49ers’ journey is far from over, but the next few days will be critical in determining whether Purdy’s season continues or ends abruptly.
