San Francisco 49ers announced on May 7 that rookie quarterback Kurtis Rourke will attend the upcoming rookie minicamp, marking his first on‑field activity since a torn ACL sidelined him for the 2025 season. This entry in the NFL Injury Report comes just days before the league’s offseason programs kick off, giving the 49ers a chance to evaluate a player who spent the entire year on the reserve/non‑football injury list.
Rourke, a seventh‑round pick in the 2025 draft, was unable to practice at all in 2025 because the ACL injury occurred during his final collegiate game at Indiana. The team confirmed his medical clearance and eligibility to participate in the rookie minicamp, a crucial step toward integrating him into the quarterback room before training camp begins.
What does Rourke’s clearance mean for the 49ers?
The 49ers now have a fully healthy option at the backup spot, allowing head coach Kyle Shanahan to run a fuller slate of quarterback drills without worrying about roster limits. Rourke’s participation also gives the coaching staff a live look at his footwork and arm strength after a year of rehab, which could influence his position on the depth chart heading into preseason.
Background on Rourke’s injury and draft status
Rourke was selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a gamble that paid off when he showed poise in limited snaps before his injury. The torn ACL, suffered in his senior year, forced him onto the reserve/non‑football injury list for the entire rookie season, making him ineligible for any game‑day action until now.
Key details from the 49ers’ announcement
According to CBS Sports, Rourke will be eligible for rookie minicamp despite missing his first professional season. The team’s medical staff cleared him after a comprehensive rehab program, and he will join the practice window that opened this week. The announcement also noted that his status will not count against the 53‑man roster limit during minicamp activities.
Key Developments
- Rourke spent the entire 2025 season on the reserve/non‑football injury list, making him ineligible for any regular‑season game action.
- The quarterback was drafted in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a low‑risk selection that could become a high‑reward asset.
- His ACL injury occurred during his final collegiate game at Indiana, requiring surgery and a year of rehabilitation.
- Eligibility for rookie minicamp means he can participate without affecting the 53‑man roster limit.
- Rourke’s medical clearance was confirmed by the 49ers’ staff on May 7, allowing him to join the practice window that opened earlier this week.
Impact and what’s next for San Francisco
With Rourke cleared, the 49ers gain a deeper quarterback pool ahead of training camp, which could force a reassessment of who backs up Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy. Fantasy owners should watch his snap counts in minicamp; a strong showing might elevate his draft stock for later season waivers. The front office brass will also weigh his progress against other young QBs on the roster, potentially influencing future contract decisions.
When did Kurtis Rourke suffer his ACL injury?
Rourke tore his ACL during his senior year at Indiana in the final regular‑season game of 2024, prompting surgery and a full‑year rehab program before entering the NFL.
How does rookie minicamp eligibility affect roster limits?
Players cleared for rookie minicamp, like Rourke, are allowed to participate without counting toward the 53‑man active roster, giving teams flexibility to evaluate talent without roster penalties.
What are the 49ers’s options if Rourke impresses in minicamp?
If Rourke shows he has recovered fully, the 49ers could keep him on the 53‑man roster for preseason, potentially pushing a veteran backup into a reserve role and adding depth for the upcoming season.
