49ers Roster Moves, Rookie Resilience, and a WR Reborn: Key Notes from Santa Clara
The 49ers made a pair of roster moves this week, including a waiver claim and an unfortunate trip to injured reserve. They’ve also got a rookie quarterback grinding to make the most of his opportunity, a wide receiver rediscovering his confidence, and a practice schedule that’s starting to shape the week ahead. Let’s break it all down.
49ers Claim LB Garret Wallow, Place OL Ben Bartch on IR
San Francisco added depth to its linebacker corps by claiming Garret Wallow off waivers. Wallow, a fifth-year veteran, brings experience and special teams value to the table. He’s played in 42 games across stints with the Texans, Titans, and most recently the Broncos, where he saw action in seven games this season before being waived on December 6.
Wallow has logged 36 career tackles, 1.0 sack, and a pass deflection, but where he’s really carved out a niche is on special teams-racking up 11 tackles in that phase of the game. With the Niners eyeing a deep postseason run, shoring up the third phase could prove crucial.
To make room, San Francisco placed Ben Bartch on injured reserve. The offensive lineman’s season is now on hold, dealing a blow to the team’s depth in the trenches.
Kurtis Rourke’s Road Back: A Rookie QB with a Point to Prove
Don’t let the quiet demeanor fool you-Kurtis Rourke is built of tough stuff. The rookie quarterback spent much of last season gutting it out through injuries that were more serious than initially believed.
He played with a bulky brace on his right leg after what he thought was a partial ACL tear during a summer practice. Then came a thumb surgery on his throwing hand-he missed just one game.
It wasn’t until after Indiana’s playoff loss to Notre Dame that Rourke got the full picture. An MRI revealed the ACL was fully torn, prompting knee surgery in January. Somehow, he’d played through it all.
“I was just glad to get through the season,” Rourke said.
Now, healthy and back on the practice field, Rourke isn’t just looking to compete-he’s looking to follow in the footsteps of Brock Purdy, whose rise from late-round pick to franchise quarterback has become something of a blueprint.
“What he showed me is how detailed and how focused he is,” Rourke said. “If there’s an opportunity out there, he’s going to make the most of it, and that’s what I plan to do.”
The practice window is open. The mindset is locked in.
Skyy Moore Finds His Confidence in San Francisco
Skyy Moore’s NFL journey started with high expectations-and hard lessons. As a rookie with the Chiefs in 2022, he was thrown into the fire as a punt returner during Kansas City’s Super Bowl-winning campaign. The results weren’t pretty: 6.1 yards per return, three fumbles (two lost), and a benching after 10 games.
“It got in my head mentally,” Moore admitted. “I found myself being scared to go back there.”
That fear, though, has turned into fuel. Now with the 49ers, Moore feels like he’s finally catching his groove. He’s not lighting up the stat sheet-just four catches this season-but he’s thriving in a role that fits him, and more importantly, he’s playing with confidence again.
The turning point? A message from Andy Reid after Moore was traded.
“Coach Reid told me, in hindsight going from Philly to K.C. was the best thing for him,” Moore said. “He was like, ‘You’re a good football player.
Don’t look at this as a negative. This could be a big thing for your career.’”
Sometimes, all a player needs is a change of scenery. For Moore, San Francisco might just be the fresh start that unlocks his potential.
Brock Purdy’s Toe Isn’t 100%, But His Game Is
Brock Purdy continues to steer the 49ers’ offense with poise and precision, even while managing a lingering toe issue. Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged recently that the injury might not fully heal during the season, but Purdy isn’t letting it affect his play.
“When I’m out there, the adrenaline’s going,” Purdy said. “I’m worried about playing quarterback. I’m not thinking about it as I’m dropping back or throwing.”
That mobility-especially outside the pocket-has been a key ingredient in San Francisco’s offensive rhythm. With Purdy healthy enough to move, create, and extend plays, the Niners’ attack remains one of the most dynamic in the league.
Jauan Jennings Responds to Browns Players’ Accusations
Tensions flared in the aftermath of the 49ers’ recent clash with the Browns, with some Cleveland players accusing Jauan Jennings of crossing the line verbally. Jennings didn’t back down-but he didn’t escalate either.
“I’m gonna just keep it to myself, what I said,” Jennings said. “But I know it wasn’t that bad, and he knows that.”
Jennings added, half-jokingly, “If he sees me to smack me, maybe y’all find out that day.”
It’s classic Jennings: fiery, passionate, and unafraid to speak his mind-while keeping just enough mystery to keep things interesting.
49ers Week 15 Practice & Media Schedule
Here’s how the week is shaping up in Santa Clara as the 49ers prepare for their Week 15 matchup against the Titans:
- Tuesday, Dec. 9 - No media availability
- Wednesday, Dec. 10 11:35 a.m. - Kyle Shanahan press conference 1:30 p.m. - Practice
- Thursday, Dec. 11 12:55 p.m. - Practice Post-practice (~2:45 p.m.) - Robert Saleh, Klay Kubiak, and Brock Purdy press conferences
- Friday, Dec. 12 12:35 p.m. - Practice Post-practice (~1:35 p.m.) - Kyle Shanahan press conference
Mock Draft Watch: 49ers Eye Interior D-Line Help
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the 49ers are projected to bolster the interior of their defensive line. One name to watch: A’Mauri Washington, a 6-foot-3, 330-pound defensive tackle from Oregon.
In his first year as a full-time starter, Washington posted 29 tackles (four for loss), 1.5 sacks, and six passes defensed. Pro Football Focus gave him a 77.5 defensive grade and a 79.8 run-defense grade-both career highs.
Big frame, disruptive presence, and ascending production. It’s the kind of profile that fits right into the 49ers’ defensive identity.
Plenty of moving parts in Santa Clara this week, from roster shuffles to rookies on the rise. With the playoffs on the horizon, the 49ers are fine-tuning every phase of their operation-and there’s no shortage of storylines to follow.