The sight of quarterback Brock Purdy sustaining an injury late in the San Francisco 49ers' loss to the Detroit Lions was the last thing fans wanted to see during two otherwise meaningless games to close out the season. The 49ers, already eliminated from playoff contention, face an offseason filled with questions about Purdy's contract situation. An injury could further complicate those discussions.
Purdy suffered what is (for now) being described as an elbow injury late in the fourth quarter and is scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday to assess the severity. Head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted that Purdy's status for the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals remains uncertain.
"We think it's some nerve stuff," Shanahan told reporters after the game.
When asked if the injury could be a long-term setback, Shanahan responded, "I wouldn't think so. I'm just speculating right now. I know everyone, when they hear about Brock's elbow and stuff, just like me, you think of the elbow injury from a couple years ago, but just talking to doctors, he just got hit in the right spot. And when you get hit there, your nerves go, and you can't feel much, but hopefully, it'll be all right."
Purdy previously underwent surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow in 2023, following his rookie season. The 49ers hope this latest setback is unrelated but must wait for the MRI results for clarity.
Purdy shares his perspective
After the game, Purdy was asked about his level of concern regarding the injury.
"It doesn't feel the best, but I'll just leave it at that," Purdy shared. "We'll see tomorrow."
He explained how the injury occurred: "On that sack, I got hit on the backside, and basically, just my arm was on fire kind of thing. I tried throwing a couple [of footballs] on the sideline, and I couldn't at that point."
Purdy admitted that the pain felt somewhat similar to his previous UCL injury but sounded optimistic that this injury wasn't as severe.
"We did some tests with UCL stuff, and I'm good in that regard," Purdy explained. "But we've just got to go get imaging on it tomorrow and see the whole thing."
He added, "In the moment, like I said, it just felt, I don't know, heavy, in a sense. So tomorrow, we'll have an answer. I'll leave it at that."
Purdy emphasized his desire to stay on the field against the Lions.
"It has nothing to do with tapping out of the game or anything like that," Purdy said. "I love my teammates, and I'll go to the very end for them and this fan base and everybody. That's what hurts me, is I couldn't finish the game."
When asked how badly he wants to suit up for the 49ers' season finale, Purdy responded, "One hundred percent. If we've got a game, regular season game, that we have an opportunity to suit up, and we're healthy, yes. For my guys, for this organization, I want to finish the season with our guys."
Other game injuries
Shanahan reported that defensive end Leonard Floyd left the game with a shoulder injury, while linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles exited due to a calf injury.