San Francisco 49ers third-string quarterback Kurtis Rourke was discharged from the hospital Thursday night following a rib injury sustained during the team's preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans. The injury occurred early in the game, with Rourke experiencing shortness of breath after a hit on a run near the 1-yard line.
Stadium X-rays did not reveal a fracture, prompting the need for further imaging and a hospital visit. Rourke exited the game after three series and was replaced by backup quarterback Adrian Martinez. Martinez was the only other quarterback in uniform for the 49ers, as Brock Purdy and Mac Jones were not active for the preseason game.
Rourke, who missed the entire 2025 season recovering from ACL surgery, had been performing well in his preseason debut. He completed 12 of 14 passes for 100 yards and demonstrated mobility before exiting the game. The 49ers selected Rourke in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Had Martinez also been injured, the team had prepared tight end Brayden Willis for emergency duty, which would have involved only handoffs.
The 49ers have faced several injury concerns during training camp, and the preseason opener saw cornerback Jack Jones also leave the game with a hand injury. These early health setbacks are a cause for concern as the team heads into the final month before the regular season begins.