Brock Purdy’s season is over for the second time in three years, this time due to a right elbow injury. Despite the apparent concerns, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch believes there is nothing to worry about.
Lynch addressed Purdy’s injury to the media ahead of his Week 18 clash against the Arizona Cardinals. The general manager downplayed the seriousness, likening his quarterback’s injury to being “hit in the funny bone.”
“It’s nothing more than when you hit your funny bone,” Lynch explained to team reporter Cam Inman. “Taking an NFL helmet in the wrong place can irritate nerves…” Brock is going to be okay.” Purdy suffered the injury during the fourth quarter of the team’s Week 17 loss against the Detroit Lions. He injured his elbow while being sacked and left the game without returning. Joshua Dobbs completed the game in his absence.
The most serious issue regarding the injury is Purdy’s history with his right elbow. He underwent surgery on the same elbow less than two years ago after injuring a ligament after a hit against the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2022 NFC Championship Game. However, initial examinations showed that he sustained no long-term injury in Week 17.
Regardless of the severity, Purdy appears unlikely to play in Week 18. The 49ers have already been eliminated from the playoffs, so there is no reason to risk further injury to their franchise quarterback.
Aside from minor injuries, the 49ers have made it obvious they are committed to Purdy. The organization intends to extend him during the upcoming offseason, when he becomes eligible to sign a deal on January 6.
The 2026 season will mark the end of Purdy’s current rookie contract. The erstwhile “Mr. Irrelevant” only earns about $1 million per year, paving the way for a significant pay increase in the near future. While an extension appears to be imminent, the negotiation will be closely monitored. Despite his young career, Purdy is already 25 years old, having used all four years of his university eligibility. However, he has led the team to two NFC Championship Games, winning one of them.
Purdy and his team will understandably seek a large salary, making the 49ers’ cap position fascinating. The team recently signed Brandon Aiyuk to a $120 million contract extension and is already in charge of Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, George Kittle, and other high-profile contracts.
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