San Francisco 49ers quarterback Kurtis Rourke made an impressive return to game action Thursday night, but his long-awaited preseason debut ended early after he suffered a rib injury against the Tennessee Titans.
Rourke, playing his first game in 601 days, completed 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards and added 14 yards on three rushing attempts before leaving the game in the second quarter.
The 25-year-old quarterback was injured while scrambling for three yards after taking a hard hit from two defenders. He subsequently went to the medical tent and later left for the locker room with trainers.
Strong Start Cut Short
Before the injury, Rourke looked sharp in his first NFL game action. He helped lead the 49ers on an 11-play, 68-yard touchdown drive, which ended with Patrick Taylor Jr. scoring on a 1-yard run.
Rourke also developed a strong connection with rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling. Stribling caught seven passes for 63 yards on eight targets from Rourke.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan praised the quarterback’s performance.
“He looked good,” Shanahan said, noting that Rourke generally put the ball in the right places and played well.
Hospital Visit After Breathing Difficulties
The injury became more concerning when Rourke experienced difficulty breathing. Shanahan said the team took him to a hospital for further evaluation as a precaution.
Initial X-rays at the stadium did not show a broken rib, but the team was awaiting additional medical evaluation.
The injury is particularly frustrating for Rourke given his lengthy history of injuries. He played his final college season at Indiana while dealing with a torn ACL and subsequently underwent surgery. He also suffered an ACL tear earlier in his college career, as well as a thumb injury that required surgery.
A Long-Awaited Return
Rourke’s appearance against Tennessee marked his first game action since his senior season at Indiana. The 49ers selected him in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but he spent his rookie season on the physically unable to perform list after his knee injury.
The quarterback entered the preseason competing for a roster role behind starter Brock Purdy and veteran backup Mac Jones, neither of whom played Thursday.
Adrian Martinez took over after Rourke’s departure and completed 16 of 30 passes for 159 yards.
More Injury Concerns for San Francisco
Rourke was not the only 49ers player to leave the game with an injury. Cornerback Jack Jones suffered a hand injury, while safety Marques Sigle left with an oblique injury.
Veteran nickel cornerback Nate Hobbs was also dealing with a groin injury suffered during the team’s joint practice with Tennessee and is expected to miss several weeks.
For Rourke, however, the immediate focus will be on determining the severity of the rib injury and how quickly he can return.
His first performance offered plenty of encouragement: after waiting 601 days to play again, Rourke showed accuracy, mobility and composure. But the injury brought an abrupt end to what had been a promising start to his NFL preseason.
Source: sfchronicle
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