NFL
Why Brock Purdy’s injury should worry fans in San Francisco
The 49ers quarterback suffered a severe blow to his right arm, admitting it feels “on fire.”
Things could always be worse, and that holds true for the San Francisco 49ers. Despite starting the NFL 2024 season as one of the favourites to reach Super Bowl LIX, the NFC West team was eliminated from playoff contention.
Their terrible, record-breaking campaign was derailed by injuries to key players, culminating in a significant blow during the penultimate game of the season when quarterback Brock Purdy went down with an injury.
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch sacked Purdy just after the two-minute warning, causing the quarterback to land awkwardly on his right arm. Purdy attempted some throws on the sideline but ultimately had to leave the game, with backup Joshua Dobbs stepping in to finish the contest.
Purdy admits ‘on fire’ elbow ‘isn’t right’
After the game, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that Purdy was experiencing nerve discomfort in the elbow he had surgically repaired in March 2023. Purdy himself described the sensation as feeling “on fire” and admitted his elbow “didn’t feel right.”
If this game turns out to be Purdy’s last of the season, the Iowa State alum would finish 2024 with 3,864 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. On the ground, he contributed 323 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 66 carries.
Purdy is set to be evaluated by 49ers team doctors on Tuesday to determine his availability for Week 18 against the Arizona Cardinals. According to Shanahan, Purdy will need an MRI to assess the severity of the injury. If he is unable to play, Joshua Dobbs will step in as the starting quarterback for the season finale against their divisional rivals.
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