Brock Purdy's Week 2 Status: 49ers Coach Calls Return A Long Shot

David

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Post on Sep 12, 2025

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Brock Purdy's Week 2 Status: 49ers Coach Calls Return a Long Shot

San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco 49ers' hopes for a quick return of quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a setback this week, as head coach Kyle Shanahan labeled his comeback for Week 2 a "long shot." This news throws a significant wrench into the team's early-season plans and sparks renewed concern about the young quarterback's surgically repaired elbow.

Purdy, who underwent surgery to repair an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear in his throwing elbow in March, has been participating in limited practices. While his progress has been encouraging, Shanahan's candid assessment underscores the complexity of his recovery and the cautious approach the 49ers are taking. The team is prioritizing Purdy's long-term health over rushing his return to the field, a wise strategy given the severity of his injury and the importance of avoiding further setbacks.

<h3>The Timeline for Purdy's Return Remains Uncertain</h3>

Shanahan's comments suggest that the 49ers are preparing for the possibility that Purdy may not be ready for the team's Week 2 matchup. While the coach stopped short of ruling him out entirely, his statement indicates that Sam Darnold remains the likely starter for at least the first couple of games. This leaves Darnold with the crucial task of leading the offense and keeping the 49ers' playoff hopes alive until Purdy is fully recovered. The pressure is on Darnold to deliver consistent performances and prove he can handle the starting role should Purdy's return be delayed.

The 49ers are famously known for their strong depth chart, a strategy that now appears particularly shrewd. Their ability to navigate the early season without Purdy, largely thanks to this depth, demonstrates the value of smart roster management and planning.

<h3>Factors Impacting Purdy's Recovery</h3>

Several factors contribute to the uncertainty surrounding Purdy's return. The nature of the UCL injury itself is notoriously difficult to fully recover from, and the rehabilitation process can be lengthy and demanding. Furthermore, any setback during the recovery period could significantly delay his return to the field, potentially impacting his performance even when he does return. The 49ers are meticulously monitoring his progress to mitigate these risks.

• The Importance of Strength and Stability: Full strength and stability in the throwing elbow are crucial for a quarterback. Any lingering weakness could lead to re-injury, highlighting the cautious approach the team is taking.
• Throwing Mechanics and Accuracy: Beyond strength, ensuring Purdy's throwing mechanics are sound and his accuracy is unaffected is paramount. This requires intensive practice and careful monitoring.
• Game-Ready Condition: Even if Purdy is physically capable of throwing, achieving game-ready condition involves significantly more than just throwing a football. It includes stamina, reaction time, and overall resilience to the physical demands of an NFL game.

<h3>What's Next for the 49ers?</h3>

The 49ers' Week 2 opponent, yet to be determined, will undoubtedly face a different challenge depending on whether Purdy is under center. Their game plan and strategy will undoubtedly adapt to the quarterback situation, a testament to the coaching staff's adaptability and strategic prowess.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Purdy's timeline. Regular updates on his progress are expected, and the 49ers' organization will likely be transparent about their star quarterback's condition as the season unfolds. For now, all eyes are on Sam Darnold and the team's ability to maintain their strong competitive edge in Purdy's absence. The 49ers' depth and coaching will be tested early, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling and unpredictable season.