NFL Rumors: Insider claims Brock Purdy will remain starter for 49ers despite Jimmy Garoppolo return
When San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a foot injury in Week 13, the team turned to rookie quarterback Brock Purdy to lead them for the rest of the season.
Since taking over as the team's starter, Purdy is 5-0 and has helped the team win the NFC West. While Garoppolo's original prognosis was that he would be done for the season, he avoided Lisfrance surgery. He was then expected to be active around the conference championship weekend.
Sources: Doctors concluded today that 49ers' QB Jimmy Garoppolo does not need foot surgery, it is not a Lisfranc injury, and if rehab goes smoothly, he could have a chance to return in 7-8 weeks, making him a potential playoff contributor. https://t.co/beYu1Pa9KU
That didn't matter as it was reported that the Niners are committed to Purdy and would have Garoppolo serve as his backup during their Super Bowl run.
Fox Sports' Jay Glazer broke the news, saying that the team is committed to Purdy as its starter moving forward.
"Well, here's the deal. So Jimmy Garoppolo really attacking his rehab aggressively wants to get cleared on time to actually return later on this postseason. 49ers, they're holding out hope that he could actually return NFC Championship game, maybe the Super Bowl if they make it that far. However, I want to put 49ers fans at ease right now. If he returns, it has to be a backup, to backup Brock Purdy. Not to be the starter again. This is Brock Purdy's team moving forward."
FOX: The #49ers now view Jimmy Garoppolo as a backup QB to rookie 7th round pick Brock Purdy according to @JayGlazer
If Garoppolo manages to return from his injury later in the playoffs, in case the team advances, he'll be on the bench with Purdy remaining as the starter. https://t.co/WRQHnAOwRL
Since taking over as the starter, Purdy has compiled a 5-0 record and led the 49ers to a strong finish to their season.
He's completed 67.1 percent of passes, 1,373 yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He's also run for a touchdown. Purdy is even in conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year, despite playing in just five games.
Brock Purdy is looking to win his first NFL playoff game
This weekend, four quarterbacks will be making their debuts in the playoffs, including Brock Purdy.
All four starting quarterbacks in today’s wild-card games – Seattle’s Geno Smith, San Francisco’s Brock Purdy, Los Angeles’ Justin Herbert, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence - are making their NFL postseason debuts.
Purdy and the 49ers are currently facing the Seattle Seahawks and lead them 10-0. He's looking to continue his hot streak vs. the team's divisional rival Seahawks.
The Niners have beaten the Seahawks in both of their matchups this season. Round three is for all the marbles as the winner will advance to the divisional round next weekend.
If the Niners win, then Purdy will make his second-career playoff start and will look to make an NFC Championship appearance.