The 49ers have officially closed the practice window for Kurtis Rourke, meaning the rookie quarterback will remain on the reserve/non-football injury list for the rest of the season.
Rourke began the season on the non-football injured list while recovering from a torn ACL that he sustained during his final collegiate season at Indiana.
The 25-year-old was designated to return on Dec. 8, allowing him to participate in on-field activities for 21 days. But instead of adding him to the active roster ahead of the Week 18 finale against the Seahawks, he will be unavailable through the remainder of the 2025 campaign.
49ers Taking Patient Approach With Rookie QB
The 49ers (12-4) are well-positioned at quarterback, with Brock Purdy firmly entrenched as the starter ahead of Mac Jones. While Rourke could have slotted into the No. 3 spot, the 49ers are opting for patience with their seventh-round pick (227th overall).
Based on Rourkeâs comments earlier this month, that seemed to be the plan all along.
âThatâs why I was excited to get the practice window opened this season because any type of practice, any type of work, will prepare me for next year,â Rourke said. âAnd ultimately thatâs the goal, is to help the team in whatever way possible, and being available is the best thing.â
Rourke threw for 2,827 yards and 27 touchdowns in his final season at Indiana, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors. He underwent ACL surgery in January, sidelining him for the entire offseason program and the preseason.
General manager John Lynch has been complimentary of Rourke, recently telling NBC Sports Bay Areaâs Matt Maiocco that he has a âgreat skill set.â
âItâs what convinced us to draft him,â Lynch said, âknowing that heâd be hurt a lot of the year coming off the ACL repair. Big, strong guy that can really throw it. He has a lot of horsepower in his skill set. I think he thinks at a high level.â
Rourke Expected to Compete for Backup Job Next Season
Assuming heâs healthy, Rourke is likely to compete for the backup job next season with Jones, who will be entering the final year of a $7 million deal he signed in March.
The former first-rounder has had a bit of a renaissance in Kyle Shanahanâs offense, throwing for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions in 11 games. That includes a 5-3 record as a starter when Purdy was injured.
However, the 49ers clearly see Rourke as a developmental piece who can eventually help their quarterback room.
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