When the San Francisco 49ers quarterback went down with an elbow injury in the NFC Championship game, many wondered how long Brock Purdy’s rehab process would take. There was fear that Purdy would not be back at all in 2023, and there were a number of stories out there on what would happen with the young quarterback. Here is a look at Brock Pudy’s rehab process and what it means for the 49ers.

Brock Purdy’s Rehab Update

Brock Purdy's Rehab

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) – Cary Edmondson/USA TODAY Sports

The Monday before the 2023 NFL Draft, 49ers general manager, John Lynch provided a brief update on Brock Purdy’s rehab on his elbow. Lynch explained that Purdy’s elbow was healing very well, and the general manager seemed pleased with the process. The next update came Thursday, May 4th.

On KNBR, John Lynch provided an optimistic update on Brock Purdy’s rehab process. Lynch explained that he expects Purdy to be able to start throwing in just a couple of weeks. Purdy had his original surgery on his UCL on March 10th. Purdy has been without a brace for some time now, which was expected to take a little longer. The full recovery process was expected to be six months, as the initial six weeks of rehab were focused on letting the UCL heal.

Now in Brock Purdy’s rehab process, he can begin throwing soon. His strength will not be there, but that is what the next step of the process is. Purdy can do more leg workouts, and building lower body strength will still help. Purdy cannot take hits yet, but can still have a chance of starting week one.

Brock Purdy's Rehab

The San Francisco 49ers offense – Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports

While offseason camps begin, the 49ers will have Trey Lance, Sam Darnold, and recently signed Brandon Allen taking the snaps. By the time Purdy is expected to begin throwing again, it will be 12 weeks post-surgery. While it was said he could throw 6-8 weeks after, it should be acknowledged that the plan is not to rush Purdy back, it is to heal him. Looking back, Purdy’s surgery was delayed due to swelling, and Dr. Miester, a doctor for the Texas Rangers, wanted to make sure Purdy’s surgery would be as successful as possible.

So where does this leave the 49ers and Purdy’s official return? There is still the chance he returns in week one, and while fans may want this, it still needs to be looked at in terms of the young quarterback’s long-term career. Brock Purdy’s rehab is going very well, but the team may want to be cautious.

The 2023 NFL schedule will be released soon. If the 49ers were to have their first game against the Los Angeles Rams or the Philadelphia Eagles, they might not want a questionable Purdy to play against defensive lines like that. Of course, if Brock Purdy’s rehab is complete and he is fully cleared, that is different; the team will play him.

Brock Purdy's rehab

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) – Daniel Bartel/USA TODAY Sports

In the case Purdy will not be ready, the team will have to look at Trey Lance. Lance was always supposed to be the starter until Purdy showed off in 2022. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has said this is Lance’s chance to prove he can be a starter for this team. The good news is that the 49ers do have a quarterback-friendly offense.

While there is speculation that Lance will be traded before the season, the issue with that is if there is a chance that Brock Purdy’s rehab keeps him out for a game or two. The team will always listen to trade offers for essentially every player, but it is something to think about.

The most difficult part about Brock Purdy’s rehab process is the waiting game. There will always be smoke surrounding the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback position. Until Purdy is back, Lance will compete for his spot again, and until there is another update, the team may have to go with whoever is healthy.