Brock Purdy Set to Start for San Francisco Next Week
Brock Purdy has gone from Mr. Irrelevant in the NFL Draft to starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers after Sunday’s game against Miami.
San Francisco starter Jimmy Garoppolo broke his foot during the game with the Miami Dolphins and Purdy, the former Iowa State star quarterback, had to take over in the Niners’ 33-17 win over the Dolphins.
After the game, Garoppolo was reported to have a broken foot and would miss the rest of the season. That puts Purdy in line to be the starter next week against Tampa Bay and for the remainder of the season. The other back-up is Jacob Eason. It’s not clear if the Niners will pursue a veteran quarterback in free agency. The trade deadline passed last month.
Purdy played well in relief on Sunday, as he went 25-of-37 for 210 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
He’ll take over a team that has the third-most wins of any team in the NFC, behind the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. The Niners have a one-game lead over the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West.
Purdy wrapped up his career at ISU after the 2021 season and entered the NFL Draft, where he was taken with the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Niners, making him that draft’s “Mr. Irrelevant,” the title given to the final pick taken in the draft.
Purdy defied those expectations by not only making the roster but earning the job as Garoppolo’s immediate backup. Before Sunday he played mostly in mop-up duty, with his game against Kansas City being his best performance. He went 4-for-9 for 66 yards and an interception in the Niners’ 44-23 loss to Kansas City on Oct. 23.
Purdy finished his Iowa State career owning or sharing 32 school records. He was the winningest quarterback in school history with a 30-17 record. He was 24-11 vs. Big 12 teams and had a 16-1 record as ISU’s starting QB vs. Big 12 opponents in Jack Trice Stadium. He started 46 straight games to end career.
He owns virtually all career school passing records, including passing yards (12,170), total offense (13,347), touchdown passes (81), touchdowns responsible (100), completions (993), passing efficiency (151.1) and completion pct. (67.7).
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard
