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49ers depth chart: Analyzing the landscape at quarterback

By Jeremy Wohlfart

Jan 22, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) warms up before a NFC divisional round game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) warms up before a NFC divisional round game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The less said about the NFC Championship the better, but the fallout from the game means there’s a lot going on at quarterback for 2023 for the San Francisco 49ers.

Without going too much into the NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles, which remains a fresh wound for us all, the injury to quarterback Brock Purdy has thrown a bit of a wrinkle into the San Francisco 49ers’ plans for the 2023 season.

After his extraordinary performance as the Niners’ starting quarterback in the latter stretch of the regular season, Purdy seemed assured of being the starter for San Francisco next year.

However, a torn UCL injury has thrown that into disarray.

Read More: These 49ers players have played their final game with San Francisco

As of writing, Purdy has not made any decision regarding surgery. San Francisco is recommending surgery, but Purdy is seeking second opinions to see if that can be avoided.

Now, the important note here is while Purdy’s torn UCL is a serious injury, he did not in fact rupture it. A rupture is the worst-case scenario and requires Tommy John surgery, a procedure that would keep Purdy off the field for nine to 12 months.

A full tear (and surgery) will keep Purdy off the field for six months. Still, a serious amount of time, but provided Purdy’s recovery timetable is on schedule, he would be back in time for training camp.

Purdy would still be behind when it comes to physical training and he won’t be in organized team activities (OTAs), but it wouldn’t take him out for the entirety of the season either.

Either way, however, six months is probably the most likely timeline for the young quarterback to return to action which will, in turn, prompt action from San Francisco.

Will the 49ers roll with Trey Lance, who suffered his own disastrous injury way back in Week 2? Can Purdy return in time for Week 1 of the upcoming season? Or will the 49ers go for a home-run swing on someone who has been linked to the team for a few years now (you know who)?

Let’s take a look at the Niners’ quarterbacking landscape entering the offseason.