It’s been nearly two months since Brock Purdy underwent elbow surgery following an injury during the 49ers’ NFC Championship Game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Since the surgery, Purdy has been immersed in his rehab while also regularly participating in San Francisco’s off-season volunteer workouts.
Purdy, based on recent comments from 49ers general manager John Lynch, appears to be on track for his recovery. Lynch recently said Purdy will resume throwing in June, 12 weeks after his surgery.
“I just got a report from the trainers,” Lynch said on the “Murph & Mac“ show. “So week 12, that’s where he can actually go out, a football starts to lob. And according to the surgeon, you start to understand a little bit better where exactly he’s right then.
“I think that’s just indicative of where he’s at. And then of course you’ve got to train your strength, your endurance, you’ve got to do more reps, distance yourself, all those things. But that’s going to be well thought out, and he does “It’s good. I think you just have to take it day by day. It’s cliché, but it’s the best you can do, and he did a great job.”
Lynch said there has been solid communication between Purdy and the team since the surgery. According to Lynch, Purdy has primarily worked with his surgeon and physical trainer who is stationed in Arizona.
Lynch’s update matches some Purdy told CBS Sports last month about his recovery.
“I’m fine. Just take it one day at a time,” Purdy said. “I’m just trying to heal and feel a little better every day, and it’s all gone as planned. Obviously we’re communicating well with the doctors I work with, the Niners, the organization as a whole, everyone’s on the same page and we’re excited about how it’s going. So take it one day at a time, man.”
Purdy hopes to duplicate what was a breakout season for the last player picked in the 2022 NFL Draft. He won his first seven starts after Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo went down injured. That streak of wins included wins over Seattle and Dallas in the NFC playoffs. Purdy scored four touchdowns against the Seahawks before completing 65% of his throws in the 49ers’ victory over the Cowboys.
“Unexpectedly amazing,” Purdy said of his rookie season. “Overall I think I’m just ready for my chance, and how important that is, and the preparation that goes into it every week. Even backing up before my chance came. Even in college, being ready for my opportunity.
“Are you doing the right things all the time? I feel like it’s a testament to showing like, ‘Man, it’s worth it.’ Even if people don’t give you credit or anything like that. You just keep believing in what you’re doing, and when your chance comes, make the best of it. So it’s pretty cool to think about that.”
Purdy completed each of his four tries against the Eagles before leaving the game after injuring his elbow. Without him, the 49ers were unable to keep up with the Eagles, who handed San Francisco its second consecutive NFC title loss.
Last year’s success led Lynch to say earlier this offseason that Purdy “deserved the right” to be the team’s starting quarterback. He currently tops a depth chart that also includes former first-round picks Lance and Sam Darnold. Like Purdy, Lance is also recovering from an injury after undergoing surgery on his right ankle last December.