A Preseason Setback: Rourke's Injury Sparks Concern
The Unfortunate Preseason Debut of Kurtis Rourke
During the San Francisco 49ers' initial preseason game on Thursday evening, quarterback Kurtis Rourke was compelled to seek medical attention at a hospital following a rib injury he sustained on the field.
Breathing Difficulties and Initial Medical Assessment
The second-year signal-caller, who had managed to complete 12 out of 14 passes for a total of 101 yards in the 19-13 defeat against the Tennessee Titans, subsequently reported experiencing significant difficulty with his breathing.
Coach Shanahan's Statement on Rourke's Condition
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the situation, stating, "They mentioned ribs; he was struggling to breathe, so they transported him to the hospital for evaluation to ensure his well-being. Initial X-rays here did not reveal any fractures." He added, "They sought additional imaging for a more thorough assessment, but there wasn't excessive alarm. I aim not to downplay or overstate the situation."
Rourke's Background and Draft History
The San Francisco franchise selected Rourke in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft as the 227th overall pick, following his collegiate career at Indiana. He did not feature in any regular-season games for the 49ers during the previous season.
Competition for the Third Quarterback Position
The 25-year-old Rourke is currently in contention with Adrian Martinez for the role of the third-string quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, behind the established starter Brock Purdy and backup Mac Jones.
