Leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, Brock Purdy was an afterthought. Selected with the 262nd pick in the NFL Draft, Brock found himself being “Mr. Irrelevant.” This is the title of honor for the last pick of the NFL draft every season. However, this didn’t faze Brock Purdy as he walked into camp with the 49ers, fighting for a reserve role. Trey Lance, the 49ers 1st round pick, was to be the starter. Behind him Jimmy Garoppolo, the 2020 starter, was still on the roster, expecting a trade.

The Injury:

Through a series of unfortunate events early in the 2022 season, Brock Purdy became the 49ers’ starting quarterback. Leading the 49ers to seven straight wins between the regular season and playoffs. Unfortunately, Brock Purdy’s storybook run came to an untimely end. In the first quarter of the NFC title game a freak hit from Hasson Reddick led to Purdy tearing his Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL).

While Purdy attempted to return to the game, the injury news was as bad as it could be, short of being career-ending. UCL injuries can often be gradual tears over time, especially among individuals who engage in repeated overhand throwing motions. However, in this case, Purdy suffered a complete tear of the UCL.

UCL injuries are more common in baseball than in football. The UCL is a band of tissue located on the inner side of the elbow that connects the ulna (a forearm bone) to the humerus (the upper arm bone). Its primary function is to provide stability to the elbow joint, particularly during activities that involve throwing or other repetitive motions. This is especially important for a quarterback.

The Recovery:

The most common surgical procedure for UCL injuries is the Tommy John surgery. However, it’s important to note that Brock Purdy did not undergo this procedure. Instead, his surgeon opted for UCL repair with an internal brace. The advantages of UCL repair with an internal brace include potentially faster recovery times, reduced risk of complications associated with graft harvest, and the ability to preserve the native UCL tissue. In simpler terms, it means he could play this year with minimal setbacks.

After the procedure, a rehabilitation program is initiated to facilitate the healing process and promote a gradual return to activity. The internal brace provides stability to the repaired UCL, allowing for earlier and more controlled motion compared to traditional UCL reconstruction. The approximate recovery time is six months, and he could potentially start throwing with minimal velocity at some point in June. In the best case, he could be ready to play in September.

Fantasy Impact:

As of May 2023, it’s hard to project Purdy as the #1 quarterback for the 49ers. While he played well in 2022 and showed he can be the guy, his recovery could hinder his preparation for 2023. Trey Lance should be considered the favorite to be the starter, with Sam Darnold penciled in as the number two. Having Lance and Darnold gives Purdy more time to recover without the risk of being rushed back.  In redraft leagues, it’s safe to look in another direction in 1QB leagues, but he could be worth a late stash in superflex or 2QB leagues. In dynasty leagues, Purdy should be held and kept as a QB3 with upside.

I hope this update provides some clarity on his injury and helps you make decisions about whether to roster him or not. If you have more questions, let us know! I hope this update provides some clarity on his injury and helps you make decisions about whether to roster him or not. Looking for more updates?  Find us on www.gridironratings.com , and get weekly updates every Wednesday on the Next Man Up podcast with Apple Podcasts or Spotify!