After the draft, Rourke provided an update on his recovery from knee surgery.
The San Francisco 49ers selected Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke with the 11th pick in the seventh round (No. 227 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, adding depth to an already crowded quarterback room that includes starter Brock Purdy, backup Mac Jones, and practice squad member Tanner Mordecai. However, Rourke’s immediate future with the team is clouded by his recovery from a torn ACL, raising questions about whether he will redshirt his rookie season—meaning he would spend the year rehabilitating and learning the system without playing in regular-season games. This article explores the factors influencing the likelihood of Rourke redshirting, drawing on recent reports and expert commentary.
Rourke’s Injury and Recovery Timeline
Kurtis Rourke played his final college season at Indiana with a torn ACL in his right knee, an injury he sustained partially over the summer and fully during the season. Despite wearing a bulky brace, he led the Hoosiers to their first College Football Playoff appearance, throwing for 3,042 yards and setting a team record with 29 passing touchdowns. Postseason, Rourke underwent ACL surgery in early January 2025, performed by an Indianapolis Colts team surgeon.
Upon reporting to the 49ers’ rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2025, Rourke’s rehabilitation will be overseen by the team’s medical staff, who will conduct a full evaluation to determine his recovery plan. General Manager John Lynch has indicated that Rourke is unlikely to be cleared for full participation until training camp, which typically begins in late July. This timeline suggests that Rourke may miss organized team activities (OTAs) and other offseason workouts, limiting his ability to compete for a roster spot early on.
The 49ers’ Quarterback Depth
The 49ers’ quarterback room is well-stocked, which reduces the immediate need for Rourke to contribute. Brock Purdy, a proven starter and former seventh-round pick, is the undisputed QB1, though his long-term contract extension remains unresolved. Mac Jones, a former first-round pick signed to a two-year deal, serves as a reliable QB2. Tanner Mordecai, who spent 2024 on the practice squad, is currently slated as the QB3. This depth allows the 49ers to take a patient approach with Rourke, potentially placing him on the Injured Reserve (IR) list or the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to preserve his rookie year while he recovers.
Reports suggest that the 49ers view Rourke as a long-term investment rather than an immediate contributor. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan has praised Rourke’s size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds), throwing ability, and decision-making, noting that his injury likely caused him to fall to the seventh round. The team’s history of success with late-round quarterbacks, most notably Purdy, fuels optimism about Rourke’s potential, but the current roster dynamics point toward a developmental year.
Strategic Considerations: Redshirting vs. Competing
Redshirting Rourke offers several strategic advantages. First, it allows him to fully recover from his ACL injury without the pressure of competing for playing time, reducing the risk of re-injury. Second, it provides an opportunity to learn Shanahan’s complex offensive system, which emphasizes timing, motion, and pre-snap adjustments—skills that align with Rourke’s experience at Indiana. Third, placing Rourke on IR or the practice squad could help the 49ers manage their 53-man roster, especially given their depth at the position.
However, Rourke himself has expressed reluctance to accept a redshirt season, indicating a desire to compete as soon as he’s healthy. His toughness—demonstrated by playing through a torn ACL in college—has earned praise from the 49ers’ staff, with scouting director Josh Williams highlighting his grit. If Rourke progresses quickly in his recovery, he could push for a spot on the active roster, particularly if injuries strike the quarterback group, as they have in recent seasons (e.g., the 49ers used four quarterbacks in 2022).
Social media discussions on X reflect a consensus that redshirting is the most likely outcome. For instance, one user noted that Rourke’s ACL recovery makes him a candidate for a developmental year, potentially positioning him as a future QB2 if the 49ers move on from Jones. Another suggested that the team might need a “camp arm” until Rourke is ready, further supporting the idea of a redshirt season.
The CFL Factor
Adding an intriguing wrinkle, Rourke was selected by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the third round (25th overall) of the 2025 CFL Draft, a nod to his Canadian roots and his brother Nathan Rourke’s success in the CFL. While this selection generated buzz, it’s considered unlikely that Rourke will play in the CFL this season, given his NFL opportunity with the 49ers. The Roughriders’ pick is seen as a low-risk move, as Rourke would likely only join the CFL if he fails to secure a roster spot in San Francisco. For now, his focus remains on rehabbing and competing in the NFL.
Likelihood of Redshirting
Given the evidence, it’s highly probable that Kurtis Rourke will redshirt his rookie season with the 49ers. His ongoing recovery from ACL surgery, combined with the team’s depth at quarterback, aligns with a strategy of placing him on IR or the practice squad to develop behind the scenes. The 49ers’ coaching staff and front office have expressed excitement about his potential, comparing him to Purdy and emphasizing his fit within their system, but they’ve also acknowledged his medical timeline. Unless Rourke makes an unexpectedly rapid recovery or injuries force him into action, the team appears content to let him sit and learn in 2025.
That said, Rourke’s competitive nature and the 49ers’ history of quarterback injuries introduce some uncertainty. If he’s cleared by training camp and impresses in preseason, he could vie for a roster spot, though this remains a less likely scenario. For now, the 49ers seem poised to treat Rourke as a project with high upside, banking on his toughness and talent to pay dividends in future seasons.
Conclusion
Kurtis Rourke’s rookie season with the San Francisco 49ers is likely to be a redshirt year, driven by his ACL recovery and the team’s robust quarterback depth. While his selection in the seventh round and subsequent CFL draft pick highlight his potential, the 49ers’ immediate needs are met by Purdy, Jones, and Mordecai, allowing them to prioritize Rourke’s long-term development. As he works toward a full recovery, Rourke’s journey will be one to watch, with the possibility that he could follow in Brock Purdy’s footsteps as a late-round gem for San Francisco.