🧨 “Camp Shocker!” — 49ers Rookie QB Opens Training Camp with ACL Injury, Set to Miss Time
Santa Clara, CA — As rookie camp kicked off, the biggest storyline isn’t about Brock Purdy—it’s that seventh-round QB Kurtis Rourke began camp sidelined with an ACL injury and is expected to start on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list.
The 49ers knew Rourke had played through a torn ACL at Indiana and underwent revision surgery in January—but no one anticipated he’d miss initial camp reps .
⚠️ What Does NFI Mean for Rourke?
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Rourke is officially out of practice but still counts toward the 90-man roster.
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With restricted camp reps, he’ll miss critical early development.
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If still on NFI when rosters finalize, he’ll be sidelined for at least the first four regular-season games .
🤕 Background on the Injury
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Rourke, 24, soldiered through a partially torn ACL during his final collegiate season.
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He underwent revision surgery in January, yet played through the injury until the draft .
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The team expected a longer recovery timeline — but early camp absence underscores caution.
🧠 Why It Matters
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Rourke was projected as QB3 behind Brock Purdy and new backup Mac Jones.
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His absence shifts focus to Tanner Mordecai, who will look to secure that third QB spot .
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Rookie QB reps are valuable for learning Kyle Shanahan’s intricate offense — and Rourke now risks falling behind.
✅ Final Thought:
Rourke’s NFI placement isn’t a disaster—it’s part of recovery—but it does delay his path and brings uncertainty to the QB3 race. The Niners will need to protect him, but also assess whether he can return in time to contribute in a meaningful way.
