The San Francisco 49ers are staring down a huge roster cut, going from 90 players to just 53 by Sunday, and there are some real head-scratchers shaping up. Take Kurtis Rourke: a 2025 seventh-round draft pick, he fractured a few ribs in his only preseason game, according to Coach Shanahan. But don’t count him out yet, because Rourke still went 12 of 14 for 101 yards before the injury, and Shanahan says he’ll be back at practice next week. That’s a wild turn for a guy who just got hurt.
The QB Room Rollercoaster
It felt like the third quarterback spot was up in the air for a minute, but Rourke’s gritty performance changed that. Even with the fractured ribs, the fact he was 12 of 14 for 101 yards in his limited action is impressive. Shanahan already has him doing side field workouts, prepping him for a return to practice next week. That kind of turnaround after an injury shows trust. Paired with Brock Purdy and Mac Jones, this trio looks set to lock down the quarterback position for the season, a big win for a seventh-round flyer. It makes you wonder what Shanahan sees in him to keep him in the mix so aggressively.
Wideouts and Backs: Veterans, Rookies, and Roster Gymnastics
Over at wide receiver, things are getting complicated. Five names usually feel locked in, but Mike Evans, a future Hall of Famer at 33, has been battling nagging quad and groin issues in camp. His health is going to be a massive watch over the 17-game season. Then there’s Christian Kirk, sidelined with a calf injury, who could sit on IR for the minimum four games. De’Zhaun Stribling has shown flashes in preseason, but Coach Shanahan is known for keeping guys grounded. Veterans Deebo Samuel and Demarcus Robinson are still bringing it, camp showed they have gas left in the tank. But Jacob Cowing? He’s fast and looked okay as a receiver, but his 83-yard punt return touchdown is the play that really puts pressure on the depth chart.
At running back, beyond the untouchable Christian McCaffrey and Kyle Juszczyk, three backs seem enough. Shanahan isn’t planning a three-man backfield, and Deebo Samuel is even taking carries. Jordan James looks like the third back, covering depth and special teams. Isaac Guerendo, nursing a pec injury, is already on active/PUP, meaning the team can easily move him to reserve PUP and save a roster spot without needing to cut him right now. Sincere McCormick and Khalil Herbert had their moments, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see them snapped up elsewhere or join the practice squad.
This Sunday’s deadline is huge, and Shanahan’s classic line, “the final 53 … is the final 53 that day,” is ringing true. There are 90 players fighting for those 53 active spots, plus the tricky IR and PUP moves that can buy them time for key players. We’ll see how many of these guys make the cut and how many get kicked to the practice squad or the waiver wire. It’s a brutal numbers game, and the decisions coming are going to shape this team for the weeks ahead.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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