49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is continuing discussions Monday about surgery to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He is nearing a decision on the surgery path, Matt Maiocco of NBCSportsBayArea.com reports, and the expected outcome is a procedure that requires an internal brace rather than Tommy John surgery.
The internal brace repair option would keep Purdy out about six months, allowing him to start throwing in three months with a slow, three-month build up. The more intensive reconstruction would sideline him for roughly a year.
Purdy said last week that he hopes to return in time for the start of the 2023 season.
Purdy played as a rookie only because of injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. Lance is close to returning, and he and Purdy are expected to compete for the starting job, though Lance will get a head start with Purdy sidelined.
Purdy finished his rookie regular season completing 67.1 percent of his passes for 1,374 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions in seven games. He completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 569 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in three playoff games.
