The 2022 season ended in horrific fashion for Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers, as he tore the UCL in his elbow early in the NFC Championship Game, which they lost in blowout fashion to the Philadelphia Eagles.
But overall, it was an amazing year for the rookie, and when he cleaned out his locker to get ready for the offseason, he received an amazing gift — a jersey that was autographed by star wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Locker clean-out day for the #49ers. Brock Purdy is the proud new owner of an autographed Deebo Samuel jersey. pic.twitter.com/z9yAujFZhD
— Kate Rooney (@TheKateRooney) January 31, 2023
Purdy was the last player chosen in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he started this year third on the Niners’ depth chart at quarterback.
But that all started to change when starter Trey Lance injured his ankle in Week 2 and was ruled out for the rest of the season.
Jimmy Garoppolo then returned to his usual spot under center, until he got injured himself in Week 13, summoning Purdy to step up and become the starter.
He played very well from that point on, and it looked like the 490ers had found their new franchise quarterback.
Purdy showed some skills that Garoppolo doesn’t possess, such as the ability to connect with his receivers on intermediate to long passes and the mobility to get out of the pocket and evade defenders while still throwing accurate passes.
But now, Purdy will be sidelined for at least six weeks after he has surgery on his injured elbow, returning San Francisco to the same type of uncertainty regarding its QB position it experienced a year ago.
However, once he returns, he should resurrect his opportunity to become the 49ers’ best and most skilled signal-caller since Steve Young.
NEXT: Brock Purdy Passed The Toughness Test On Sunday
