49ers quarterback Brock Purdy returns to NFC title game

San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy was able to play most of the second half of a 31-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game after suffering an elbow injury in the first half.

Purdy was injured on San Francisco’s first possession when he was hit by Philadelphia safety Haason Reddick as he fell back to pass. The ball shot up and forward as he pulled his arm back and was almost intercepted by an Eagles defender before it hit the ground. Officials decided the game a fumble.

Purdy was replaced by journeyman Josh Johnson, who has had 20 different stints on NFL teams. He also played in the XFL, AFL and the United Football League.

For Purdy, the last player selected in the 2022 draft, it was the first fumble of the season. With him as a starter, the 49ers were 7-0 ahead of Sunday.