31 May 2023 , 20:42
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The San Francisco 49ers have provided an update on the status of Brock Purdy following his injury.
The 23-year-old sustained an elbow problem during the NFL NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles in January. The quarterback was diagnosed with a complete tear of his ulnar collateral ligament, which rendered him unable to throw the ball for more than 10 yards.
Since undergoing surgery he has been steadily working his way back to full fitness ahead of the new season. 49ers’ General Manager John Lynch has been impressed with Purdy’s progress and was able to offer some positive news after he began to throw the ball again last week.
“He’s had one [throwing] session thus far and we’re incredibly encouraged by that,” Lynch said Wednesday morning on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “He’s hitting all his marks and that doesn’t surprise us, because he’s putting in all the work.
“As for best-case scenario, we’ll take it as it comes. The hope is he’s ready for training camp. The hope is he’s ready for the regular season.”
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While Purdy continues his rehab, the team’s other quarterbacks Trey Lance, Sam Darnold, and Brandon Allen have been working hard in practice. Should he not be fit to start the season, the 49ers have plenty of depth in that department and Lynch is feeling optimistic ahead of the new campaign.
“We feel good about that position holistically,” he added. “We are not going to put Brock in a situation where he’s not fully healed. That means not just get back, but get back and get in reps under your belt.”
The 23-year-old began throwing the ball again last week (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)Purdy is also happy with the strides he has made in the offseason and believes he is better equipped to shoulder the responsibility of being the team’s quarterback now than a year ago. He was 'Mr Irrelevant' after being the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft but emerged as a star performer when he came in for the injured Trey Lance.
“Obviously this year I'm not out in the field, but being able to when a play call comes in and I hear it and I can see it better mentally, and it just happens a little bit quicker,” he said.
“But there's still a lot of details and things that I can clean up with how I operate and see the defense. So that's what I'm working on right now. But I think it’s like a night-and-day difference coming in as a rookie compared to now.”
One of Purdy’s teammates and fellow quarterbacks Lance, who may be involved in trade talks this summer, declared that he is happy at the 49ers and wants to battle for the starting QB spot
He told the Mercury News : "I knew where I wanted to be. I just want an opportunity to compete. I love it here. I love the coaching staff. I love working with Griese and Klay and now Klint as well. Love the quarterback room, love the guys in the locker room,” Lance continued. “No doubt for me, this is absolutely where I want to be."