Quarterback Kurtis Rourke played well in his first NFL action, starting in last week's preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans. His playing time was cut short, however, after he suffered a rib injury in the second quarter.

Initial evaluations did not reveal any fractures. However, Rourke was having trouble breathing, prompting the 49ers to take him to the hospital at halftime. Fortunately, he was released that same night and returned to the practice facility the following morning.


As expected, Rourke did not practice this weekend as the 49ers continued training camp. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak spoke to reporters after Sunday's practice and provided an update on the young quarterback when asked how much time Rourke is expected to miss.

"I'm not 100% [sure]," Kubiak said. "I don't think it'll be long, though. I think he just needs to heal up a little bit and get him back out there. But we don't think it's anything long-term."

Rourke is not a rookie. However, this is effectively his first NFL season after the former seventh-round draft pick missed last season while recovering from ACL surgery. That made Thursday night's game his first true on-field action in nearly two years.

Kubiak was also asked how Rourke performed in managing the huddle and delivering the play calls.

"I thought he was excellent in all those areas, especially it being his first real competitive football game in almost two years," Kubiak said. "He did a great job of handling the huddle, the emotions of it. The operation was really clean. And then, on top of that, I thought he executed really well. So, really pleased with how he played."


Kubiak believes Thursday night's preseason game meant a lot to Rourke, despite the outcome having no bearing on the regular season.

"I think any young player who hasn't played yet—and he's not a rookie, but he is effectively a rookie—you go into that first preseason game, and it does mean a lot to those guys," Kubiak said. "It's their first time playing in the NFL, and suiting up, and being in a stadium. I think anytime that's the case, guys are going to feel a little nervous, and I think that's how it should be. It means they care. It means it matters to them.

"He admittedly felt that way, but it didn't affect how he played. That means he was prepared and he was ready for the moment, and I thought his play showed that."

Rourke completed 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards against the Titans. He also rushed for 14 yards on three carries.

The 49ers quarterback is competing with Adrian Martinez for the QB3 job behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones. If Rourke can return to practice soon, he'll have another opportunity to build on an encouraging preseason debut and strengthen his case for a roster spot.

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