These 'small' rats seem more like the size of rat pups or weans correct? Or are they actually an almost full grown rat? If they are both relatively small (and about the size of a mouse) then I think you should be fine offering two again next week, unless your snake has a very distinct bulge in his belly. You don't want to 'lump' your snake. Something that is the same girth, once a week should be fine.

As far as handling goes, I'd wait a bit longer if you noticed a very distinct lump in his belly. Otherwise, I think 48 should be just fine.