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49ers’ Kurtis Rourke Taken to Hospital After Rib Injury in Preseason Opener

The injury leaves the 49ers thin at quarterback, raising immediate roster and evaluation questions while imaging determines the severity of his ribs.

Overview

  • Kurtis Rourke left the game with a rib injury and was taken to a hospital at halftime on Thursday after he struggled to breathe, with team X-rays showing no obvious fracture and further imaging ordered.
  • Before exiting, the 2025 seventh-round pick completed 12 of 14 passes for about 100 yards and rushed for 14 yards in his first game action since ACL surgery.
  • Cornerback Jack Jones left on the Titans’ opening drive with a right-hand injury and was ruled out for the rest of the preseason opener, removing another player the 49ers wanted to evaluate.
  • San Francisco had sat most starters and already entered the game short-handed, which left Adrian Martinez as the only active quarterback after Rourke’s exit and prompted coaches to brief tight end Brayden Willis on emergency snapping duties.
  • The team will rely on hospital imaging and follow-up exams to set a timeline for Rourke’s return, and the results could force the 49ers to adjust depth plans or add quarterback insurance during the preseason.