The San Francisco 49ers have somehow managed to weather a storm of injuries early in the 2025 campaign to post a 4-1 record through their first five games. The barrage of injuries has included the quarterback position, where Mac Jones has been forced to start three games in relief of Brock Purdy, who is dealing with a lingering toe injury.
Jones is set to draw the start again in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he’s dealing with his own injury issues that have him listed as questionable for this game. With Purdy and Jones both beat up, head coach Kyle Shanahan recently provided an intriguing update on rookie quarterback Kurtis Rourke as he continues to work his way back from injury.
Kyle Shanahan Dishes on Kurtis Rourke
While the Niners had the quarterback position shored up heading into the 2025 NFL Draft with Purdy and Jones, they opted to take a flier on Rourke in the seventh round. While Rourke enjoyed a standout 2024 campaign with the Indiana Hoosiers, he tore his ACL late in the season, meaning that he would not be ready for the start of the year.
Rourke has been continuing his injury rehab behind the scenes while Purdy and Jones have been fighting for their lives under center this season. Adrian Martinez lurks as the No. 3 quarterback behind these guys, but with Jones also hurt, the team could use some extra depth under center, leading to questions about Rourke’s status.
Considering the severity of his injury and the fact that San Francisco would likely rather develop him behind the scenes, the team isn’t going to rush Rourke back to action. However, Shanahan admitted that he is close to having his practice window activated, and once that happens, the team will evaluate Rourke before deciding whether or not to activate him to the active roster.
“We should open his window soon,” Shanahan said of Rourke on Friday. “It’s getting real close, probably a few weeks away. It could be anywhere from next week to a few weeks, but he’s close, he’s moving good, and it will be soon.”
What Should Kyle Shanahan, 49ers Do with Kurtis Rourke?
GettyHead coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers.
One potential option that the Niners could employ with Rourke would involve sending him to the practice squad once he returns, but considering how he would have to be waived and re-signed to the team, that didn’t sound like something Shanahan was considering. With that in mind, Rourke will likely either be activated to the active roster or he will be shut down for the season, essentially making this a redshirt year for him.
Considering all the other injuries the team is dealing with, Shanahan has bigger fish to fry this week when it comes to the team’s matchup with the 4-1 Buccaneers. San Francisco has continually found a way to win, but this may end up being their toughest challenge yet. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, with the 49ers looking to earn their fifth win of the season.
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