49ers: Johnson exits after hitting head vs. Eagles; Purdy returns with elbow issue

Purdy was hit while attempting to pass on the first possession of the game.

The 49ers started the NFC Championship Game in worst-case scenario fashion, allowing an Eagles touchdown on the game’s opening series, then responding with Brock Purdy’s first career fumble (in 275 touches when tallying his passes, runs and sacks).

Even worse, Purdy’s right elbow was injured when he was struck by Eagles sack leader Hasson Reddick while attempting to throw a second-and-6 pass. Reddick beat tight end Tyler Kroft on the play.

The officials initially ruled that Purdy had thrown the ball, but after Philadelphia challenged the play, the call was reversed and ruled a fumble recovered by Eagles lineman Linval Joseph.

Josh Johnson took over at quarterback for about two quarters, going 7-of-13 before he slammed his head on the turf when he was hit by Eagles defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh early in the third quarter. Johnson exited the game, eventually ruled out after a concussion evaluation, and Purdy came back in.

Purdy completed the only pass on his first drive back in control, a third-down screen to Christian McCaffrey that came up short of the first-down line.

Johnson, a 36-year-old Oakland native, failed to gain momentum on his first two drives, but McCaffrey drove the 49ers down the field on Johnson’s third possession, totaling 44 yards on a 46-yard drive, including a 23-yard touchdown run.

On his fourth drive, though, Johnson made a crucial mistake, bobbling a hurry-up shotgun snap for a fumble that was recovered by Reddick. The Eagles scored a few plays later to take a 21-7 lead before halftime.

Johnson finished the first half 5-of-9 for 51 yards, sacked twice for 14 yards and a lost fumble. Purdy’s first-half line was 2-of-2 passing for 19 yards, with the sack fumble.

This was the first playoff action of Johnson’s 14-year career. He took 11 snaps in the 49ers’ win over the Bucs last month and 11 more in the season-ending win over the Cardinals, throwing two total passes and completing one for 10 yards.

Brock Purdy is getting checked out on the sideline after being hit in the arm@ErinAndrews has the latest pic.twitter.com/KMEJzJbRF3

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 29, 2023