That expectation isn't new. The team appeared focused on using the practice window to jump-start Rourke's development for 2026, giving him valuable reps with teammates before the offseason program begins.
"That's why I was excited to get the practice window opened this season, because any type of practice, any type of work, will prepare me for next year," Rourke said earlier this month. "And that's ultimately the goal, is to help the team in whatever way possible, and being available is the best thing."
Rourke underwent ACL surgery in January and wasn't able to participate in offseason work between the draft and the start of this season, making these three weeks of practice especially meaningful.
General manager John Lynch recently joined Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. He discussed what the 49ers have seen from the young quarterback.
"He's got a great skill set," Lynch said. "It's what convinced us to draft him, knowing that he'd be hurt a lot of the year coming off the ACL repair. Big, strong guy that can really throw it. Has a lot of horsepower in his skill set. I think he thinks at a high level."
The 49ers were impressed by Rourke's college performance and were willing to use a late-round draft pick on the quarterback.
"You saw what he did at Indiana, the success he had," Lynch said. "I mean, they were a top 10, top 5 team for much of the season last year, kind of against all odds. And so, he's got a lot of winner to him, and it's been great to have him up these three weeks and get to see that in front of us.
"He's been tireless in his work coming back from that knee, and that gave him the opportunity to go showcase his skills, and hopefully, that can shoot him off into the offseason. This offseason will be really important for him."
The 49ers selected Rourke in the seventh round and believe he could develop into a long-term depth piece in a quarterback room that already features Brock Purdy and Mac Jones heading into next season.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' John Lynch reveals how he learned DeForest Buckner trade was complete
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch admits he was a little disappointed as he entered the bye week. He had hoped to hear back from the Indianapolis Colts about defensive tackle DeForest Buckner before boarding a flight to his hometown of San Diego. Lynch likely had... -
Kyle Shanahan reveals what 49ers must do to reach their goals in the second half of the season
The San Francisco 49ers are heading into the second half of the regular season with plenty of work still ahead of them. While injuries have played a significant role in shaping their season, head coach Kyle Shanahan believes the team is beginning to get healthier at an... -
DeForest Buckner reveals emotional reaction to 49ers trade
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner made it clear that if the Indianapolis Colts traded him, his preferred destination was the San Francisco 49ers. Indianapolis honored that request, allowing the veteran defensive lineman to return to the team that drafted him. Last week, the... -
NFL insider reveals $13 million complication in 49ers-Brandon Aiyuk split
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, plan to meet with the San Francisco 49ers on Friday around 3 p.m. PT. The goal is to resolve the ongoing situation between the two sides and remove Aiyuk from the reserve/left squad list. Ultimately, Aiyuk is likely...