Kurtis Rourke's rib injury was initially seen as a minor preseason footnote, but after head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that the seventh-round rookie was "struggling to breeze" and that he "took him to the hospital," the narrative has changed. That hospital visit signals a shift in the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback room dynamics that may not yet be reflected in the betting market.
Shanahan’s comments about roster construction provide critical insight. When asked if the 49ers might carry four quarterbacks, Shanahan said, "we still have three in here, so it's not a necessity." This statement, while somewhat ambiguous given the team currently lists five quarterbacks on the depth chart, strongly implies the 49ers plan to carry only three quarterbacks into the regular season. With Rourke's injury complications, this makes the roster decision more straightforward.
Mac Jones has now established himself as the undisputed QB2 behind starter Brock Purdy.
Jones threw for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions last season, starting 11 games for San Francisco. In contrast, Rourke, a 2026 seventh-round draft pick (#227 overall), had yet to take an NFL snap before the recent preseason action. Shanahan praised Rourke’s performance, saying he "looked good," "got the ball the right spot," and "did a hell of a job on that draw," but the injury and resulting hospital evaluation overshadow any positive preseason progress.
According to Shanahan, the initial X-ray "didn't show it was broken," but the hospital visit was necessary to perform advanced imaging—likely a CT scan or ultrasound—to evaluate potential cartilage damage or a lung contusion, both of which typically involve multi-week recoveries rather than minor day-to-day injuries.
The fantasy football implication is that Rourke’s value has dropped significantly, and attention should turn to the 49ers’ third quarterback spot.
With Jones locked in as the backup, the competition for the QB3 job becomes pivotal. Adrian Martinez, currently on the roster, has extremely limited NFL experience — just one snap resulting in a negative rushing yard last season. As a mobile quarterback in a Shanahan offense that frequently employs zone-read concepts, Martinez is the leading candidate to serve as emergency quarterback if Rourke is sidelined.
Shanahan mentioned "we were talking about guys who could take a snap and hand it off," referencing the importance of having an emergency quarterback who can function in run-heavy packages. This emphasis suggests the 49ers may prioritize a quarterback backup who can also run effectively in the Shanahan offense.
This scenario continues a recent pattern with the 49ers' backup QBs facing injuries.
The franchise has endured several instances of backup quarterback injuries impacting team plans over the past decade, including Jimmy Garoppolo’s injuries in 2018 and 2020, as well as Brock Purdy’s elbow injury during the 2022 NFC Championship. Shanahan’s careful hedging when discussing Rourke’s rib injury—saying, "I don't want to downplay it too much," but also, "I'm not trying to overplay it either"—reflects his knowledge of how seemingly minor injuries can become season-altering.
The most immediate indication of the quarterback depth chart status will come in Week 3 of the preseason against the Los Angeles Chargers. Shanahan confirmed that Mac Jones will play the entire first half in that game, while veterans who did not play last Friday will be rested to "have them fresh for Saturday." This signals Jones is the clear favorite for QB2 duties, as Rourke’s injury likely eliminates meaningful playing time for him in that game.
Fantasy football owners should note that Rourke’s outlook has dimmed as he faces what may be a multi-week recovery.
Previously, Rourke was a late-round sleeper with a real opportunity to win the QB2 job in the preseason. Unfortunately, his hospital visit and rib issues have severely reduced his prospects. Meanwhile, Jones has strengthened his position and value, particularly in superflex leagues where having a reliable backup quarterback is essential. Should Brock Purdy suffer an injury, Jones is well positioned to step in.
Shanahan summarized the situation bluntly: "You got to look in when you don't see something on x-ray and someone's struggling with something." This reflects a coaching staff grappling with an uncertain injury needing cautious management.
In summary:
- Rourke’s rib injury and hospital evaluation substantially weaken his chances to earn the second-string quarterback role.
- Mac Jones firmly holds that QB2 job due to his experience and health.
- Adrian Martinez’s role as emergency QB3 could increase significantly due to Rourke’s injury.
- The 49ers plan to carry three quarterbacks on the roster, with little room for a fourth amid the compressed depth chart.
- Fantasy owners should adjust valuations accordingly for all three quarterbacks, keeping an eye on Week 3 preseason snap counts for Martinez.
Injuries have again reshaped the 49ers’ quarterback landscape, and Shanahan’s team must adapt quickly to maintain championship aspirations. The coming weeks will determine whether Martinez solidifies the emergency QB role or if other options are explored.
Walt Ainsley
Read the full transcript: Kyle Shanahan Press Conference Transcript (2026-08-14)