What happened to Brock Purdy? 49ers QB suffers potentially game-ending elbow injury

The San Francisco 49ers' quarterback curse has struck again, claiming Brock Purdy as its third victim.

During the first quarter of the NFC championship game between the 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles, Purdy dropped back to launch a pass. Before he could release the ball, he was stopped by Hasson Reddick, who forced a fumble. The Eagles recovered to give their offense a short field.

Haason Reddick 2 sacks already

Wow he has 19.5 sacks this year including playoffs

https://t.co/0idQTCeOef

To make matters worse, Purdy's arm crashed hard into Reddick's helmet, and the quarterback picked up an elbow injury. He reportedly told 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan that he could not throw the ball.

On the 49ers' next drive, Josh Johnson took the field as Purdy continued to work with the medical staff to repair his damaged wrist. San Francisco ruled Brock Purdy questionable to return.

#SFvsPHI @DignityHealth injury update: QB Brock Purdy (right elbow) is questionable to return.

Who is 49ers backup QB Josh Johnson? Brock Purdy's replacement is a 14-year NFL veteran

With Purdy sitting on the sidelines, the 49ers were forced to field fourth-string quarterback Josh Johnson.

The 49ers signed the veteran off the Denver Broncos practice squad on Dec. 6 to serve as Purdy's backup after Jimmy Garroppolo suffered a season-ending injury. This is Johnson's fourth stint with San Francisco and 20th overall on an NFL team.

Quite the career. @Head8cke https://t.co/2P4N010YiY

Johnson began his career in 2008 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has since bounced around the league. Despite spending time with 14 different NFL teams, he has started only 10 games in his career.