Doctor assures 49ers Brock Purdy will be the same level QB when he returns to game action
There is no need to worry, and according to one doctor, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will be the same guy when he returns.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's return from his UCL injury and subsequent offseason surgery is a process that should proceed with caution.
That isn't changing. However, one doctor, Jess Flynn, who has worked with NFL teams, shares a sense of optimism regarding Purdy's play once he takes the field again.
"When he does come back, studies show that you should expect a similar level of play compared to before the injury," Flynn said to former NFL offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.
Working in Purdy's favor is that most athletes tend to play better following surgery on the UCL. Flynn explained that with baseball pitchers, the injury to the Elbow happens over time, thus once fixed, they look more dominant than before.
"They usually get better," Flynn explained of baseball players. "That's because their injuries tend to be over time where the ligament slowly tears. So, they've been playing with this crap ligament for a long time, they get it replaced with something real and suddenly, their fastball is much faster. Not the case with a quarterback with an acute injury, but you should expect to get that same level of play."
Purdy's recovery hasn't experienced any major setbacks yet. That is good news for the Niners, who hope to have Purdy back before Week 1 of the NFL season.
In the meantime, Niners quarterbacks Trey Lance and Sam Darnold are competing for starting reps amidst the Purdy uncertainty.
What is certain, however, is that Purdy will be the same player he was prior to his injury in the playoffs last season.
Feature image via Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports.
