The 49ers are wrapping up their season against the Cardinals, but here’s the plot twist–Brock Purdy‘s not playing. With both teams already out of the playoffs, this game might feel like just another check on the schedule. But without Purdy on the field, it is gonna hit different. Fans are wondering: how’s this gonna change things, and what does it mean for the 49ers’ QB future? The game might not have high stakes, but this absence could have a lasting impact.

Ian Rapoport from NFL GameDay shared “QB Brock Purdy won’t play today with a minor elbow injury“. This injury came after a tough hit in Monday night’s game against the Detroit Lions. Brian Branch sacked Purdy with just two minutes left as the 49ers were driving for a late touchdown. He tried to keep throwing on the sideline but was clearly struggling, describing his arm as “on fire.”

Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Purdy avoided anything major, and general manager John Lynch downplayed the injury, saying, “It’s really nothing more than like when you hit your funny bone. He did that, and when you get an NFL helmet in the wrong place, it irritated the nerves a little.” The 49ers choose to sit Purdy for the final game, thinking about his long-term health over finishing out the season.

This injury likely won’t affect Purdy’s future with the Niners, as the team is just being cautious. They’re hoping he will recover quickly and be ready to lead them in next season. With the season winding down, fans are keeping an eye on his recovery and what’s next for Purdy in San Francisco.

49ers’ Future: Locked & Loaded

As the 49ers wrap up their season against the Cardinals, it’s not just Brock Purdy’s injury that’s got people talking–it’s what’s next for the squad. The good news? Jed York’s got us covered. The 49ers owner straight-up told NFL insider Tim Kawakami, “They’re not going anywhere,” when asked about Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch. No drama here–our HC and GM are locked in.

That’s a big W for Niners fans. Shanahan and Lynch have been the masterminds behind this squad’s glow-up, turning them from mid to legit Super Bowl contenders (shoutout to 2019 and 2023). This season might’ve missed the playoff hype, but you can’t ignore the solid foundation they’ve built. With these two in charge, the 49ers aren’t going anywhere but up.

Now, about Purdy—his injury raises some big questions. Is he locked in as QB1, or will the 49ers shake things up in the offseason? While today’s game doesn’t have playoff stakes, it’s still got fans wondering what the future holds. One thing’s for sure: 2025 is shaping up to be an interesting ride for the Niners.