The wait is over. Quarterback Brock Purdy returned to the practice field today after sitting out yesterday's practice session, the first of training camp. It's the first time the second-year quarterback has been suited up with his teammates since January.
BROCK PURDY THROWS! #49ers pic.twitter.com/s98jhUVriI
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) July 27, 2023
Purdy suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow in last season's NFC Championship Game and underwent surgery on March 10. He started throwing footballs again at the very end of May. Most expected the recovering quarterback to return sometime during the second half of August.
Brock Purdy going through individual drills 179 days after suffering a torn elbow ligament in the NFC Championship Game. #49ers pic.twitter.com/mgsP2vwk1b
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) July 27, 2023
Surprisingly, the 49ers didn't add Purdy to the physically unable to perform (PUP) list at the start of training camp, clearing him to practice without restrictions—aside from some days off here and there early on.
Purdy's return means that the quarterback is not only ahead of schedule in his recovery, but also on track to be the Week 1 starter. It wasn't that long ago that many doubted he would be ready for the regular-season opener.
#49ers Brock Purdy is back — as is his connection to George Kittle pic.twitter.com/pJepJWfbHE
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) July 27, 2023
"There was never a time I didn't think he would be cleared," Shanahan told The Athletic this week. "I never went into it, just talking to other quarterbacks who have been through this stuff, thinking, all right, he's not going to be able to play this year."
The 49ers currently have four quarterbacks on the roster. In addition to Prudy, there is the team's former No. 3 overall pick, Trey Lance, and veteran offseason additions Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen.