Josh Johnson injury update: 49ers' fourth-string QB exits vs. Eagles with concussion

Edward Sutelan

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Josh Johnson injury update: 49ers' fourth-string QB exits vs. Eagles with concussion image

The 49ers have suffered injury after injury to their quarterbacks this season. They lost two more to injuries in the NFC championship game.

San Francisco's fourth-stringer, Josh Johnson, who entered after Brock Purdy was injured in the first half, was forced to leave the contest with a head injury early in the third quarter. He was listed as questionable to return in the game.

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The 49ers have been dealing injuries to quarterbacks since the start of the season. Trey Lance entered the year as the starter but broke his ankle in Week 2 against the Seahawks to end his season. Jimmy Garoppolo reclaimed his starting spot until Week 13, when he broke his left foot.

Purdy, who was taken with the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, had been the team's starter for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs and had been undefeated in those games. But he injured his throwing elbow in the first quarter and had to return when Johnson exited the game. 

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Here are the latest updates on Johnson's injury.

Josh Johnson injury update

Johnson had to leave the game in the second half against the Eagles and was being evaluated for a concussion. He was later ruled out with the injury.

On the first drive of the third quarter, he was brought down as he was trying to throw a deep pass to Deebo Samuel. As he was hit, his head hit the turf. He appeared to struggle to get up and had to leave the game immediately.

Purdy came into the game and handed the ball off before a punt. The 49ers sent him back out on the next drive, and he handed the ball off twice and attempted only one pass, a screen to Christian McCaffrey for 3 yards. San Francisco was forced to punt again. Purdy was on the field again after an Eagles touchdown that gave Philadelphia a 28-7 lead. 

49ers QB depth chart

Purdy, even while injured, appeared to be the 49ers' go-to option with Johnson ruled out. If he can't play through his injury, however, it starts to get interesting.

MORE: Josh Johnson career timeline as ultimate NFL journeyman QB

The Fox broadcast announced that McCaffrey would be the team's emergency quarterback. The all-purpose running back has attempted four passes in his NFL career for 84 yards and two touchdowns.

Behind McCaffrey, the team appears likely to turn to fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who has never attempted a pass at the college or NFL level.

Edward Sutelan

Edward Sutelan Photo

Edward Sutelan joined The Sporting News in 2021 after covering high school sports for PennLive. Edward graduated from The Ohio State University in 2019, where he gained experience covering the baseball, football and basketball teams. Edward also spent time working for The Columbus Dispatch and Cape Cod Times.