The San Francisco 49ers are staring down some brutal roster decisions next Sunday as they chop down to the final 53, and guess what? Injuries are throwing a massive wrench into everything. We’re talking about questions like how many games Mykel Williams might miss, or if another player will get dinged up before the weekend. All this means they might have to skimp on bodies at certain spots, and tight end and safety are the obvious targets. But here’s the kicker: what about the most valuable position on the field, quarterback?
A Seventh-Rounder Steals the Show, But at What Cost?
Kurtis Rourke, a seventh-round pick, actually looked pretty darn good in their first preseason game back on August 13th. Like, he really “looked the part.” Now, normally a seventh-rounder isn’t setting the world on fire, but Rourke was always expected to miss his rookie year, which is probably why he fell so far. This makes his preseason performance even more intriguing. The Niners would be seriously lucky if Rourke made it through waivers if they tried to cut him; someone would snatch him up, no doubt. The buzz is, he’s likely Brock Purdy’s backup after the 2026 season. That’s a huge vote of confidence for a late-round guy who hasn’t even played a down in the regular season!
Depth Questions and a Looming QB Quandary
Here’s the rub: for Rourke to actually play any significant time this season, the 49ers would need a “2022-type of injury-riddled season.” Remember how wild that was for them? It’s a gamble, right? The Niners’ brass has to decide if Rourke’s future potential is worth a roster spot right now, especially when they’re already facing depth questions across the board. They’re really going to need multiple players who can handle multiple jobs , linebackers, tight ends, running backs, and receivers who can all cover kicks will be gold. It boils down to this: can they actually afford to carry three quarterbacks on the roster for the upcoming season? It’s a tough call that could seriously impact their overall depth. The team needs to figure out if that future investment in Rourke is worth sacrificing immediate depth at other crucial positions.
Next Sunday is going to be wild for the 49ers. Every single cut, every decision they make, will shape their roster for the season ahead. Keeping Rourke feels like a smart play for the long haul, but man, does it ever complicate things right now!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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