Brock Purdy’s Injured Elbow: Diagnosis and Recovery Timeline Unveiled After Lions Loss
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy suffered an elbow injury in the team’s 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 17. The injury occurred in the first quarter when Purdy was sacked by Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Purdy was able to finish the game, but he was clearly in pain and had difficulty throwing the ball.
After the game, Purdy underwent an MRI, which revealed a UCL sprain in his throwing elbow. The 49ers announced that Purdy would miss the team’s regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals and would be re-evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
Diagnosis and Recovery Timeline
A UCL sprain is a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament, which is located on the inside of the elbow. UCL sprains are common in baseball pitchers, but they can also occur in football players who throw the ball a lot.
The recovery time for a UCL sprain varies depending on the severity of the tear. In most cases, UCL sprains can be treated with rest, ice, and physical therapy. However, in some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Purdy’s UCL sprain is considered to be a Grade 2 sprain, which means that the ligament is partially torn. The typical recovery time for a Grade 2 UCL sprain is 6-8 weeks.
Implications for the 49ers
Purdy’s injury is a major blow to the 49ers, who are currently in the playoffs. Purdy has been a revelation for the 49ers this season, starting the last five games and leading the team to a 4-1 record.
With Purdy out, the 49ers will likely turn to veteran quarterback Josh Johnson to start the regular-season finale against the Cardinals. Johnson has not started a game since 2020, but he has a lot of experience as a backup.
If the 49ers make the playoffs, they will likely have to rely on Johnson to start at least one game. Johnson is a capable quarterback, but he is not as good as Purdy. The 49ers’ chances of making a deep playoff run will be significantly diminished if Purdy is not able to return.
Conclusion
Brock Purdy’s UCL sprain is a major injury that could have a significant impact on the 49ers’ playoff hopes. The typical recovery time for a Grade 2 UCL sprain is 6-8 weeks, so it is unlikely that Purdy will be able to return for the playoffs. The 49ers will likely have to rely on veteran quarterback Josh Johnson to start in Purdy’s place. Johnson is a capable quarterback, but he is not as good as Purdy. The 49ers’ chances of making a deep playoff run will be significantly diminished if Purdy is not able to return.
