The 49ers now have 21 days to evaluate Rourke and determine whether to activate him. If they choose not to, he will remain on the NFI list for the rest of the season.
Rourke played for Indiana in 2024, completing 69.4% of his passes for 3,042 yards with 29 touchdowns and five interceptions. Alongside starter Brock Purdy, the 49ers currently have Mac Jones and Adrian Martinez on the depth chart, with Martinez serving on the practice squad.
In October, head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that Rourke was nearing his evaluation period. The team will use this window to determine whether the rookie quarterback is ready to return.
"So, we'll see how his three weeks go and if it makes sense on our roster," Shanahan said. "If he can do it, then we'll do that, and if not, we'll shut him down."
San Francisco is coming off its bye week and is holding a bonus practice on Monday. The team will return to its standard pre-game practice schedule on Wednesday as preparations begin for hosting the Tennessee Titans in Week 15.
The 49ers enter the matchup at 9-4, sitting third in the NFC West and sixth in the NFC playoff standings as they push toward the postseason.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Robert Saleh names 49ers' biggest rookie surprise from last season
The San Francisco 49ers invested heavily in their defense during the 2025 NFL Draft, using six of their 11 selections on defensive players, including each of their first five picks. One rookie, however, stood out more than the rest to former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert... -
49ers rookie prediction highlights concerns about key offensive weapon
San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey is coming off an NFL Comeback Player of the Year campaign. In 2025, he totaled an impressive 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns, reestablishing himself as one of the NFL's most dynamic offensive weapons. McCaffrey... -
49ers roster battles: The undrafted rookie sleepers to watch
Every year, one or two undrafted rookies force the San Francisco 49ers to rethink their roster. From Matt Breida and Emmanuel Moseley to Jordan Mason, Jeff Wilson, Jr., and Azeez Al-Shaair, the 49ers have seen rookies earn opportunities after entering the league without hearing... -
49ers and Brandon Aiyuk: The drama has become repetitive
When he became the starter during his rookie year, quarterback Brock Purdy was consistently referred to by his draft-day moniker, "Mr. Irrelevant." As the Niners won and continued to win while he was the starter, reporters used the same phrase over and over again—that Purdy...