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The San Francisco 49ers entered the 2022 season with high expectations. However, injuries resulted in the use of three different starting quarterbacks, and the team that was once a Super Bowl favorite could not advance pass the NFC Championship game.
Rookie quarterback Brock Purdy took over starting duties down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs, but suffered a torn UCL in the first quarter of the NFC title game. The injury forced veteran Josh Johnson into action, but he would soon exit with a concussion.
Some Niners players felt as though they did not have a fair chance at winning the championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles because of the quarterback injuries.
Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez agrees, saying he believes Purdy's injury hampered the team's chances of making it to the big game.
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
"I thought, honestly, they would be playing in [the Super Bowl]," Gonzalez told NBC Sports last week at Super Bowl Radio Row. "I still think they would have if Purdy didn’t get hurt."
Despite being the final pick in last year's NFL draft and not being expected to contribute this season, Purdy won every regular-season game he started. He also led the 49ers to two playoff victories.
San Francisco's front office built one of the most complete rosters in the league, which featured star tight end George Kittle, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, All-Pro tackle
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