The 49ers were already down to their third-string quarterback entering the NFC Championship Game.
They are now down to their fourth stringer after an early injury to Brock Purdy.
Purdy was injured on the 49ers’ second drive of the game. San Francisco was facing a second-and-6 from just over midfield when Eagles edge rusher Haason Redick pressured Purdy and hit him hard on the arm.
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The contact forced Purdy to fumble the ball and bat if forward as he completed his follow-through.
Purdy didn’t initially show ill effects from the hit on the field. However, trainers tended to him on the sideline and it appeared that he was dealing with at least some discomfort in his throwing arm as he tried to warm up.
Brock Purdy is getting checked out on the sideline after being hit in the arm@ErinAndrews has the latest ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/KMEJzJbRF3
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 29, 2023
As a result, he didn’t come onto the field for the 49ers’ third drive of the game. Backup Josh Johnson took over for him and led the 49ers to a three-and-out.
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Meanwhile, Purdy continued to tend to his elbow on the sideline and the 49ers deemed him “questionable” to return.
Before exiting, Purdy attempted two passes and completed both for 19 yards. He also was responsible for the fumble which was his first of the season.
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If Purdy can’t return to the game, the 49ers will lean on Johnson at the quarterback position. The veteran has played for 13 different NFL teams during his career but is logging his first career postseason action against the Eagles.