49ers' Shanahan: Brock Purdy Avoided Serious Elbow Injury, Likely Out vs. Cardinals

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's season is likely over, but he was able to avoid a serious injury in Monday's loss to the Detroit Lions.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday that Purdy is unlikely to play in Week 18 against the Arizona Cardinals after being diagnosed with a right elbow bruise and nerve inflammation.

Purdy has been one of several 49ers players who has dealt with injuries throughout the 2024 season. He missed a Week 12 loss to the Green Bay Packers due to a shoulder injury suffered the previous week against the Seattle Seahawks.

During the 49ers' 40-34 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 17, Purdy left in the fourth quarter due to a right elbow injury after being sacked by Brian Branch. He described the injury by saying his elbow was "on fire," but added initial testing indicated his UCL was okay.

The elbow is the same on that Purdy had surgically repaired in March 2022 after he was knocked out of the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Purdy returned at full strength for the 2023 season, turning in an outstanding year to help the 49ers reach the Super Bowl.

Almost nothing has gone right for the Niners since their 22-19 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58. Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Williams and Christian McCaffrey have played a combined total of 21 games this season.

The key for Purdy, who is eligible for a contract extension in the offseason, now will be ensuring he is healthy going into 2025. Josh Dobbs replaced Purdy at quarterback against the Lions. He could be in line to get the start for the regular-season finale against the Cardinals on Sunday.