Brock Purdy is playing his first Super Bowl today against the Kansas City Chiefs. As the San Francisco 49ers are on a 7-point lead against the Red Army, the quarterback’s throwing ability has been getting a lot of attention. Many are wondering if his 2023 injury has turned out as magic for his throwing arm.

After taking over the 49ers to a 7-1 record last season, Purdy injured himself on his elbow when battling against the Philadelphia Eagles. He then underwent surgery that might have cured his arm exceptionally well. So, is the injury and its subsequent surgery made the young quarterback’s arm even stronger than earlier?

A new Brock Purdy after surgery?

After assuming the starting role in December 2022, Brock Purdy guided the 49ers to a 7-1 record but faced a setback when he injured the UCL in his right elbow during the NFC Championship game in January 2023. Even five weeks post the game, Purdy experienced persistent swelling.

Seeking a solution, he underwent surgery on March 10, with Dr. Keith Meister employing an internal brace repair on his elbow. Remarkable Purdy returned to practice by the end of July, surpassing rehabilitation expectations. Later, he proudly shared that his throwing arm became stronger after the elbow injury.

The young QB noted, “I think it was a great lesson for me just moving forward throughout my career, not just from surgery, but moving forward, I can work and continue to do all of those kinds of workouts on my own to keep my arm strong, to keep it fresh and allow it to keep getting stronger. Honestly, I learned a lot, and I think it’s a little bit stronger from where I started on Day 1 in the NFL.”

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However, the road to recovery for Purdy wasn’t fine at all. There were multiple fears of his elbow injury, and he might not have participated in the 2023 season.

A backdrop of Brock Purdy’s nasty recovery scene

In December 2022, Brock Purdy suffered a UCL tear in the NFC Championship game. His surgery was delayed due to swelling, and there were concerns about the type of surgery needed. The hope was for a UCL repair with InternalBrace augmentation, a less complex procedure. The fear was if Tommy John surgery (traditional UCL reconstruction) was required, it would have a longer recovery.

The uncertainty persisted until March 10, 2023, when Dr. Keith Meister confirmed the less invasive InternalBrace option. This was a crucial development for the 49ers, ensuring Purdy’s potential return for the 2023 season and preserving roster flexibility. The outcome was positive, as Purdy helped his team to reach the Super Bowl LVIII.

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