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49ers’ Brock Purdy Leads Pro Bowl Voting, Named NFC Starter

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 22: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has been named the NFC’s starting quarterback in the Pro Bowl after receiving more votes than any other NFL player. Purdy is one of eight 49ers players selected for the game.

Purdy rose to prominence last year when he stepped into the starting role in San Francisco after two injuries ahead of him on the depth chart. The last overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, “Mr. Irrelevant” led the team capably all the way to the NFC Championship game. He suffered an elbow injury early on in that contest, effectively ending the 49ers’ season.

In 2023, Purdy recovered rapidly from injury and managed to start the season at quarterback. In 16 starts, he threw for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns, leading the 49ers to a 13-3 record and No. 1 seed in the NFC for the playoffs. There was extensive speculation that he could be named the league MVP, though that talk died down after a poor performance against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.

Purdy is one of eight 49ers players who have been named to the Pro Bowl. He will be joined by teammates Christian McCaffrey (running back), George Kittle (tight end), Kyle Juszczyk (full back), Trent Williams (tackle), Nick Bosa (defensive lineman), Javon Hargrove (defensive lineman), Fred Warner (linebacker) and Charvarius Ward (cornerback).

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Purdy and McCaffrey dominated fan voting, receiving the first and second most votes, respectively. Purdy was also the first 49ers quarterback to make a Pro Bowl since Jeff Garcia in 2002.

Because San Francisco clinched the first seed in the NFC last weekend, Purdy will not play in Week 18. The quarterback receives an extra week to recover from two stinger injuries that have hindered him slightly toward the end of the season.

“Brock is the only guy I know for sure I don’t plan on playing,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “You can rest seven guys if nobody is hurt if you get two practice squad guys up. We have at least six guys injured right now, so I only know for sure we can rest one. I went with our starting quarterback.”