San Francisco 49ers quarterback Kurtis Rourke was taken to the hospital during Thursday's preseason game against the Tennessee Titans after suffering a rib injury that caused him to struggle to breathe.
The backup signal caller, who was making his NFL debut in the 19-13 loss, exited the game in the second quarter following the incident. X-rays taken at the stadium did not show a broken bone, but the team plans further evaluation.
"They said 'ribs' and he was struggling to breathe, so they took him to the hospital just to check on everything, make sure it's all right," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters after the game.
This was Rourke's first game in 601 days, marking a long-awaited return after a series of injuries dating back to his college career. He played his final college season with a torn ACL, which required surgery, and had previously torn the same ACL in 2022. He also sustained thumb and shoulder injuries during his college tenure.
Rourke was selected by the 49ers in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft but spent his rookie season on the physically unable to perform list.
He was playing in place of starting quarterback Brock Purdy and Mac Jones, who were held out of the preseason opener. Rourke completed 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards and led one touchdown drive, a one-yard run by Patrick Taylor Jr. He also connected with rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling for seven catches and 63 yards.
"I thought he looked good," Shanahan said of Rourke's performance. "Had the ball in the right spot. I thought he hung in there and played well."
