Purdy will have UCL surgery this month, aim for training camp return

Quarterback Brock Purdy scheduled surgery for Feb. 22 to repair the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing elbow and if all goes according to plan would participate in training camp.

Purdy, injured on Jan. 29 when hit on the throwing arm while passing against Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Haason Reddick, will be operated on by Dr. Keith Meister, team physician of the Texas Rangers. NFL Media was first to report the surgery date, which was confirmed by a league source.

Rather than an elbow reconstruction — also known as Tommy John surgery — that could cost Purdy the season, the hope is the 49ers' quarterback will be able to participate in training camp and in theory be ready for the regular season.

According to the Texas Metroplex Institute for Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery, Meister specializes in reconstruction of the shoulder, elbow and knee as well as comprehensive treatment of the “overhead/throwing athlete.”

When Purdy last spoke to the media on Jan. 31, he said options on the table included no surgery with rehab, a second procedure called an “internal brace” which would enable him to play in 2023 and the Tommy John procedure which has become commonplace among baseball pitchers.

“They said after three months, you can start throwing and get into a throwing program and throwing routine,” Purdy said of the less invasive option. “I think six months would be like when you're allowed to just go and practice and be a part of everything.”

Both 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch were optimistic Purdy would be available during training camp at their seasonending press conference on Feb. 1.

“I think the positive bit of news is that it seems to be consistent that the right approach is that one that takes about that sixmonth mark,” Lynch said. “Now, everybody will also say you never know until you get in there. Every surgeon will tell you that on every surgery, you always like getting in to see exactly.”

The surgery means Purdy will miss the 49ers' offseason program and organized team activities (OTA) leading into camp while rehabbing his elbow. During that time, the 49ers will work to get Trey Lance, who opened the 2022 season as the starter up to speed following a second surgery on his ankle.

Shanahan said bringing back free-agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was not an option.