The 49ers will get a three-week look at rookie quarterback Kurtis Rourke.
And what they see from the seventh-round 2025 NFL Draft pick could influence their offseason decision-making.
Rourke is one of only three quarterbacks in the building after the 49ers on Tuesday released Adrian Martinez from the practice squad.
Martinez served as the backup to Mac Jones during the eight games in which Brock Purdy was sidelined with a toe injury. Martinez took one kneel-down snap to end the 49ers’ 34-24 victory over the New York Giants on Oct. 2.
The 49ers liked Rourke enough to select him in the seventh round of the 2025 draft, even with the knowledge that knee surgery likely would wipe out any chance of him getting on the field in his first NFL season.
Now, after getting medically cleared to return to action, Rourke’s practice window was opened this week. And at the end of 21 days, the 49ers must decide whether to keep him on the non-football injury list for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season or activate him to the 53-man roster.
Moving Rourke to the practice squad is not likely to be an option because the 49ers would first have to waive him. That likely is not a chance the 49ers would be willing to take.
Rourke, 25, played six seasons of college football. After five years at the University of Ohio, he transferred to Indiana. He finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting after throwing for 3,042 yards with 29 touchdowns and five interceptions last year.
He played his final season with a torn ACL in his right knee. Rourke underwent surgery in January.
Even before the 49ers addressed an apparent need on their offensive line, the team selected Rourke in the draft.
Rourke clearly has a chance to be the 49ers’ long-term backup to Purdy. And that opportunity could come as early as next season.
Although Jones is under contract through 2026, the 49ers could have an opportunity to acquire an attractive draft pick in a trade. As many as 10 teams could be looking for a new starting quarterback next season.
The 49ers were 5-3 in Jones’ starts this season. He completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Jones played a huge role in the 49ers’ current 9-4 record with four games remaining in the regular season. He is scheduled to make $3.25 million next season in salary and bonuses.
If the 49ers like what they see from Rourke on the practice field this month, it could make them more inclined to consider a potential trade of Jones.
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