If Monday's 40-34 defeat to the Detroit Lions weren't bad enough, the San Francisco 49ers don't know the status of starting quarterback Brock Purdy for their season finale against the Arizona Cardinals next week.
Purdy, who's regressed from his breakout 2023 season in which he threw for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, went down with an elbow injury in the fourth quarter against the Lions as he tried to mount a fourth-quarter rally.
On a first-and-10 from the Lions' 35-yard line, Purdy was sacked by defensive back Brian Branch in what appeared to be a seemingly standard play. But Purdy got up favoring his right elbow, and after attempting two practice passes on the sideline, he could be seen saying he couldn't go.
While no specific details about Purdy's injury are known, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan gave reporters an update on the 25-year-old QB during his post-game media availability.
"49ers HC Kyle Shanahan told reporters that Brock Purdy is dealing with a nerve issue in his right elbow and the QB will undergo testing Tuesday," Schefter wrote. "Shanahan was non-committal on Purdy's status for the regular-season finale. It's possible Purdy has played his last game this season."
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) December 31, 2024Brock Purdy -
I don't see much at the hand/wrist or elbow.
But the defender does jam Purdy's right arm up in a compressed position into the shoulder.
Notable that it's the right shoulder that had the suspected Labral tear in it.
Otherwise, don't see much here. pic.twitter.com/uZMhaooByh
The prevailing concern about Purdy's injury, which he described as feeling like his elbow was on fire, is that it may be close to the ulnar nerve that he had surgically repaired two years ago after injuring it in the 2022 NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
There's a chance the 49ers decide to shut Purdy down for Week 18 and not risk him further injuring himself.
"You think of elbow injury from a couple years ago, but talking to doctors, he just got hit in the right spot," Shanahan stated. "Hopefully it'll be alright."
Purdy, an Iowa State alum, is expected to sign a lucrative contract extension in the offseason that could make him one of the highest-paid passers in the NFL. If he has to have a second surgery on his throwing arm, that could impact contract negotiations.
