49ers’ Brock Purdy Returns After Elbow Injury, Josh Johnson Concussion

San Francisco continues its quarterback musical chairs.

The 49ers have thrived as one of the best teams in the NFL this season despite a revolving door at quarterback. Now, that depth will be further tested once more.

San Francisco rookie quarterback Brock Purdy left Sunday’s NFC championship game against the Eagles after taking a big hit on his right arm by Haason Reddick during his team’s first possession. After the play was initially ruled an incomplete pass, replay overturned the call to a fumble, with Philadelphia recovering.

Purdy was replaced by veteran Josh Johnson.

After review, @Haason7Reddick forces the fumble and the @Eagles take over 💪

📺: #SFvsPHI on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/FKUP5TdmfQ pic.twitter.com/bop3WoHK25

— NFL (@NFL) January 29, 2023

Brock Purdy appears to tell Kyle Shanahan that he can’t throw.

This would be a brutal loss for SF. https://t.co/saROAkXm4n

— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) January 29, 2023

The 49ers announced on Twitter that Purdy was questionable to return with an elbow injury.

Johnson finished the first half and led the offense for the opening possession of the second half, but took a hard hit and eventually left for the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion. He was later ruled out for the game.

After running back Christian McCaffrey switched helmets so that he could hear play calls from the coaching staff, Purdy returned to the game for the subsequent drive. After two rushing plays, Purdy completed a short screen pass to McCaffrey for a short gain, leading to a San Francisco punt.

Josh Johnson left the game after going down on the previous play. Christian McCaffrey is the emergency QB, and switched his helmet out so he could have one that is capable of hearing play calls.

Brock Purdy ended up returning for one play at QB: A handoff to the RB. pic.twitter.com/K5OL5RlLfo

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 29, 2023