PHILADELPHIA — Already down a third-string quarterback, the San Francisco 49ers had to revert to a fourth option in the first quarter of Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Niners quarterback Brock Birdie In San Francisco’s sixth at-bat, he injured his right elbow. His return is considered questionable.
Birdie out, veteran signal caller Josh Johnson Replaced Purdy with 4:50 left in the first quarter. The 49ers went three-and-out on Johnson’s opening drive.
Purdy was injured with 7:03 left in the opening quarter. Facing second and 6 from 50, Birdie looked for a wideout and threw back. Brandon Iuk Left side down.
Eagles pass-rusher Hassan Reddick The Niners passed on the tight end Tyler Craft He hit the birdie when he tried to putt. It bounced off Birdie’s elbow and flew forward to Philadelphia’s 44, where the Eagles were scrambling defensively. Linwall Joseph recovered.
Purdy initially tried to return to the game, but coach Kyle Shanahan stopped him and sent Johnson into the game, while Purdy retreated to the blue medical tent for further evaluation. Purdy, who became the fifth freshman quarterback to start a conference championship game, was 2-for-2 for 19 yards at the time of the injury.
