Report: 49ers' Purdy has UCL tear, hopes to avoid Tommy John surgery

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a complete tear of the UCL in his throwing elbow during Sunday's NFC title game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and is expected to undergo surgery, reports NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Purdy is reportedly seeking a second medical opinion in order to avoid Tommy John surgery and instead undergo a procedure to repair his throwing elbow. That'd rule him out for around six months, which could make him available for training camp, Pelissero adds.

The rookie passer sustained the ailment in the first quarter of Sunday's matchup after taking a hit from Haason Reddick and left the game with just two pass attempts. Purdy was eventually forced to return to the field after veteran backup Josh Johnson suffered a concussion but was visibly limited and only attempted two more throws in San Francisco's 31-7 defeat.

The 23-year-old took the NFL by storm in 2022, winning his first seven starts, including the playoffs. Purdy - the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft - began the campaign as San Francisco's third-string quarterback but took over after Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo suffered season-ending injuries. Lance went down in Week 2 due to an ankle ailment, while Garoppolo fractured his foot in Week 13.

Purdy completed 67% of his passes while accounting for 18 touchdowns in eight appearances this season prior to the NFC Championship Game.

The 49ers boast one of the NFL's most complete rosters, but the quarterback position remains their biggest question mark heading into the 2023 season. While Garoppolo is set to hit free agency this offseason, Lance has made only four starts since San Francisco drafted him third overall in 2021.