San Francisco 49ers QB Rushed To Hospital Following Frightening Injury During Preseason Game
The San Francisco 49ers opened their 2026 preseason with a 19-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night, but the final score quickly became secondary after quarterback Kurtis Rourke was forced out of the game and taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
With many of San Francisco’s regular starters sitting out the preseason opener, the game offered backup players and rookies an opportunity to make an impression.
Rourke was among those taking advantage of the extra playing time.
Before leaving the field, the young quarterback completed 12 of his 14 passes for 101 yards and looked comfortable running the offense. His night changed suddenly, however, after he suffered an injury involving his ribs.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan later explained that Rourke began having difficulty breathing following the incident.
That prompted the 49ers’ medical staff to take additional precautions and send him to the hospital for testing.
Kurtis Rourke Leaves Game After Rib Injury
The issue developed during game action at Levi’s Stadium.
After Rourke began experiencing significant discomfort, the team’s medical staff evaluated him. According to Shanahan, the concern centered on his ribs, but the quarterback’s difficulty breathing made further testing necessary.
Initial X-rays performed at the stadium did not confirm a fracture.
However, the 49ers did not want to take any unnecessary chances.
“They said ribs, he was struggling to breathe, so they took him to the hospital just to check on him and make sure he’s alright,” Shanahan said after the game.
The decision to send Rourke for additional scans appeared to be precautionary, with Shanahan indicating that the medical staff was not overly alarmed by the initial findings.
Still, the breathing issue meant the team wanted a clearer picture before making any conclusions about his condition.
The incident interrupted what had otherwise been an encouraging performance from Rourke.
Completing 12 of 14 attempts meant he connected on the large majority of his passes, finishing with 101 passing yards before leaving the game.
Shanahan was pleased with what he saw from the quarterback before the injury and noted that Rourke consistently put the football where it needed to go.
For a preseason game in which roster spots and depth-chart positions are being evaluated, that type of performance could have been valuable for the young passer.
Instead, attention immediately turned toward his health.
Adrian Martinez Takes Over The 49ers Offense
Once Rourke was unable to continue, Adrian Martinez took over quarterback duties for San Francisco.
Martinez attempted 30 passes, completing 16 of them for 159 yards.
The 49ers ultimately fell short against Tennessee, losing 19-13, but preseason results generally carry less importance than player evaluation and avoiding significant injuries before the regular season.
Rourke’s situation therefore became one of the biggest concerns coming out of the opener.
The 49ers had already entered the game with several established starters resting, giving players further down the roster an extended opportunity to show coaches what they could do.
Rourke made the most of his time while he was available.
His efficiency stood out, and Shanahan’s comments afterward suggested the coaching staff had been encouraged by the way he operated the offense.
The bigger question now is how quickly Rourke will be able to return.
San Francisco’s next preseason game is scheduled against the Los Angeles Chargers next Thursday, but there was no immediate confirmation about whether Rourke would be available.
His status will depend on the results of the additional testing and how he responds in the days following the rib injury.
Given that this is the preseason, the 49ers have little reason to rush him back if there is any lingering concern.
The priority will be making sure Rourke has fully recovered before putting him back into game action.
49ers Await More Clarity On Rourke
The situation also added another unusual element to San Francisco’s preseason opener.
Shanahan had returned to the sideline following his own recent accident, while many of the team’s primary starters were being held out.
That created additional opportunities for younger players to handle larger roles.
Rourke was one of the players who appeared ready to capitalize on that opportunity.
His 12-for-14 passing line showed strong accuracy, and his 101 yards came before his night was cut short.
There was no indication in the initial stadium X-rays that he had suffered a confirmed rib fracture, which offered some encouragement.
However, the fact that he experienced trouble breathing was enough for the team to seek additional medical evaluation.
That approach allowed the 49ers to rule out anything more serious rather than relying solely on the tests available at the stadium.
For now, San Francisco will have to wait before determining what comes next.
Rourke had already shown enough during the game to earn praise from his head coach, but his immediate focus will be recovery rather than preparing for the Chargers.
If the additional testing provides reassuring results and his symptoms improve, he may have another chance to continue the strong preseason start he showed against Tennessee.
Until then, the 49ers will prioritize his health and wait for more information before deciding when the quarterback can safely return to the field.
