The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for an intriguing quarterback battle when rookie minicamp kicks off Friday—and it's a name you might not have on your radar.

Second-year quarterback Kurtis Rourke, a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft, is set to take the field, according to quarterbacks coach Klay Kubiak. As reported by The Athletic's Matt Barrows, Kubiak told reporters Thursday that Rourke is competing for the team's third quarterback spot. "Love the arm talent," Kubiak said. "He's a heck of a thrower."

Rourke's rookie year was essentially a wash after he underwent ACL surgery in the offseason. He had his practice window opened late last season but never made it off the Non-Football Injury list. This minicamp marks his first real chance to prove he belongs on an NFL roster.

With Brock Purdy and Mac Jones locked in as the top two quarterbacks, Rourke will battle Adrian Martinez for the third QB role—a spot that often lands on the practice squad, given the 49ers don't always carry three quarterbacks on the active 53-man roster.

But here's where it gets interesting. Mac Jones wasn't traded this offseason, but that possibility isn't off the table. As injuries mount around the league and teams get desperate, Jones's trade value could rise enough for San Francisco to consider a deal before the regular season or by November's trade deadline.

If Jones is moved, the 49ers would need a quarterback they trust to step into the backup role. Suddenly, that third-string battle becomes one of the most important positions on the team—even if it's mostly inactive on game days for now.

Nothing will be decided during rookie minicamp, but this is a massive opportunity for Rourke to show he's healthy and ready to compete in his first full season as a pro. For a player who's been waiting in the wings, the stage is finally set.