-Ed-Mulholland-USA-TODAY-Sports-11
( New York, NY) — The 49ers loss to the Eagles in the NFC Championship back in January now appears to have larger ramifications.
Speaking at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, 49ers GM John Lynch admitted there are a “variety of timeframes” for Brock Purdy’s return from elbow surgery.
The 51-year-old was visibly pessimistic with his response about the surgery being delayed until swelling in the elbow decreased.
“We want the best outcome, and that’s why Dr. Meister [performing the surgery on Purdy] made, a really tough decision. A more realistic outcome … (is) being fully recovered the first week of September, which corresponds to the start of the regular season.”
Purdy’s surgeon said his injury is not a normal UCL tear. The 49ers are still hopeful their rookie sensation can avoid Tommy John surgery, which comes with a year-plus recovery timeline.
For, it doesn’t look as if Purdy will be ready in time for Week 1. Enter Trey Lance… Maybe….
Speaking Wednesday, the 49ers GM told reporters that the team will have to consider signing a veteran quarterback.
Lynch was asked specifically about Tom Brady, who was briefly his teammate and has been linked to the 49ers over the few months. Lynch noted that while he texted Brady, he doesn’t expect the seven-time Super Bowl winner to unretire for the second offseason in a row.
For now, the 49ers uncertainty at the QB position continues to shape up as one of the biggest offseason headlines.
