In a 49ers game that didn’t matter, Purdy’s injury could

The game that was to send Brock Purdy on his way to a multi-million dollar contract instead sent him to the training room for MRI tests on his valuable right elbow, which required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation just two years ago.

Purdy performed effectively if not perfectly Monday night as this tormented season of the San Francisco 49ers headed toward the finish. Then in the closing two minutes of a game that seemed inconsequential but could take on significant meaning depending on test results, Purdy was sacked and left the game.

The Detroit Lions (14-2), perhaps heading to the Super Bowl where the Niners were in February, defeated the Niners 40-34 at Levi Stadium, yet that seemed insignificant compared to the condition of Purdy, who said on NBC Bay Area Sports that, “I got hit on the backside and my arm was on fire. It felt like pins and needles were in my arm. What hurts me is that I couldn’t finish the game.” 

What will hurt the 49ers is if Purdy’s injury is anything like the one he incurred in the 2022 NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent the spring and early summer trying to get healthy. Purdy did not think that would be the case this time. 

“It doesn’t feel the best,” said Purdy, “but it doesn’t feel that bad, so we’ll see tomorrow.” 

Purdy said the initial tests showed no damage to the ulnar collateral ligament he hurt two years ago. He hoped to be in the Niners last game of the season this upcoming Sunday at Arizona, but he was replaced by Joshua Dobbs for the remainder of the game after exiting this game.

Not until the start of the 2023 season were the Niners certain the quarterback would be ready to play. He was not only ready, he helped lead them to the NFC Championship. The Niners head coach, Kyle Shanahan, was more than satisfied with Purdy’s game Monday against Detroit. 

“He had better stats tonight,” said Shanahan, “he managed better tonight. He had a good night playing on a high level.” 

Purdy completed his first nine passes and overall twenty-seven of thirty-five for 377 yards and three touchdowns. In the first half, he relied on quick outs which kept the Lion's defense off balance. But after intermission, San Francisco changed its offense, and Purdy started throwing longer routes. Under pressure, in the fourth quarter, he threw two interceptions, which if nothing else, cost the 49ers a chance for a victory.

San Francisco had been eliminated from playoff contention before the game started. The Niners  said they were “playing for pride.” They did a very good job, although the defeat left them with a 6-10 record for a season that will not long be remembered.

Rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall had a fine game, with 8 receptions for 141 yards and his second touchdown of the year. He’s the man who was shot in Union Square by a would-be thief, who tried to steal his watch, during training camp. That was an awful introduction to the NFL.

From beginning to end this season has been full of the unexpected, especially for a team that was supposed to be one of the best and didn’t come close.