Niners QB Brock Purdy to begin throwing as he takes next step in elbow rehab

Brock Purdy is taking the next step in his recovery from the torn UCL in his throwing elbow.

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback was scheduled to start throwing with quarterbacks coach Will Hewlett and orthopedic specialist Tom Gormely in Jacksonville on Monday, the NFL Network reported. Purdy first worked with Hewlett and Gormely during the draft process in early 2022. 

Now, Hewlett and Gormely are tasked with helping Purdy's arm get back to full strength and ready for the 2023 season. Purdy suffered his elbow injury in the first quarter of the 49ers' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. While Purdy was diagnosed with a torn UCL shortly after the loss, he didn't have surgery until March. As a result, he didn't throw during San Francisco's offseason workouts.

Still, the 49ers have held on to optimism that Purdy will be ready for training camp next month. Niners coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters earlier in June that Purdy was "ahead of schedule" in his rehab but also noted that the team is "taking it very slowly."

If Purdy is ready for camp, all signs point to him being the starting quarterback come September. In March, 49ers general manager John Lynch said that Purdy has "earned the right to start" following his breakout rookie season, in which he went 7-1 with 1,943 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions over eight games. 

If Purdy's rehab goes sideways or doesn't progress before then, it's a bit unclear who would start at quarterback for the 49ers. Trey Lance, whom the 49ers selected with the No. 3 overall pick in 2021, and veteran Sam Darnold, whom the 49ers signed this offseason, both took snaps with the starting offensive unit during offseason workouts.