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The NFC playoff image has been establishing for a pair weeks now, and a matchup that has begun to appear inevitable is the Minnesota Vikings taking over the San Francisco 49ers within the divisional spherical, assuming the 2 groups make it that far.
Nonetheless, these plans could start to alter quickly because the 49ers have misplaced their beginning QB Jimmy Garoppolo for the remainder of the season. Through the 49ers Week 13 matchup with the Miami Dolphins, Garoppolo suffered a damaged foot, which is able to formally finish his season.
In his stead, it was Brock Purdy, a rookie seventh-round decide, that took his place for the rest of the sport. Purdy performed his school ball at Iowa State from 2018-2021, and he recorded 12,170 passing yards, 81 TDs, and 33 INTs over the course of 48 profession video games.
Heading into Week 13, Purdy had appeared in 3 video games, however the one time he threw passes was in Week 7’s loss to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. In that sport, the rookie QB accomplished 4-of-9 passes for 66 yards and an interception.
Nonetheless, this week Purdy performed pretty effectively in reduction of Garoppolo. Within the 33-17 victory over the Dolphins, the seventh-round decide accomplished 25-of-37 passes for 210 yards, a pair of touchdowns, and an interception. Until the Niners determine to signal a free agent this week, it seems that Purdy would be the starter for the remainder of the 12 months.
All through this whole season, the QB place has been a subject of controversy for San Francisco. Initially, this was due to Trey Lance, who the Niners chosen third total within the 2021 NFL Draft regardless of having Jimmy Garoppolo on their roster.
Lance started the season as San Francisco’s starter, however he broke his ankle in Week 2 in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks; an harm that additionally ended his season. In got here Garoppolo, and since then, he’s been the 49ers beginning QB as soon as once more main as much as his personal season-ending harm.
It’s uncommon sufficient for one seventh-round rookie to search out his means into the beginning lineup, particularly at QB, but when the Vikings do find yourself assembly Purdy and the 49ers within the playoffs, it can truly be the second time they’ve confronted such a QB. The primary got here in opposition to the Miami Dolphins in Week 5, who began Skylar Thompson in opposition to Minnesota.
Both means, the highway to and thru the playoffs simply acquired considerably more durable for the 49ers, regardless of their 8-4 report. It additionally could have gotten simpler for the Vikings.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The School of Idaho with a bachelor’s diploma in Artistic Writing. He additionally earned minors in Historical past, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing concerning the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon coaching, taking part in video video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For extra of his opinions, try his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
