49ers quarterback shares positive injury update

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49ers quarterback shares positive injury update

Originally posted on 49ers Webzone | By David Bonilla | Last updated Aug 30, 2026 10:18 AM ET

Quarterback Kurtis Rourke appeared in just one preseason game for the San Francisco 49ers, facing the Tennessee Titans at Levi's Stadium. The second-year quarterback exited during the second quarter after suffering three broken ribs and was taken to the hospital at halftime for further evaluation.

Fortunately for Rourke, that was all the 49ers needed to see.

San Francisco apparently saw enough from the young quarterback to feel comfortable keeping him as part of its plans. The team hopes Rourke can develop into its future QB2 and ultimately chose him over Adrian Martinez for this year's QB3 role. Martinez appeared in all three preseason games but struggled to make a strong case for a roster spot.

On Saturday, it was reported that the 49ers were releasing Martinez as part of the team's roster cutdown.

Meanwhile, Rourke appears to be making encouraging progress in his recovery.

Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reported that Rourke said he was feeling better following the 49ers' preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Of course, Chan's post states that Rourke suffered his injury during the 49ers' second preseason game. That is an error, as the quarterback was injured in the preseason opener against the Titans.

Kurtis Rourke said after the final exhibition in Vegas that he was feeling better after breaking 3 ribs in the 2nd game vs Chargers. He is now the No. 3 for the #49ers and likely the No. 2 in 2027 https://t.co/Z7xQW5emMA— Jennifer Lee Chan -all platforms: @jenniferleechan (@jenniferleechan) August 29, 2026

The positive update aligns with comments from head coach Kyle Shanahan last week, when he expressed optimism that Rourke could return to practice soon as the 49ers prepare for their regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

"He's close this week (last week)," Shanahan said. "Probably won't go tomorrow or Thursday (against the Raiders), but should be good after that."

The 49ers selected Rourke in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He spent his rookie season on the non-football injury list and did not appear in a game.

In his NFL preseason debut against the Titans, the second-year quarterback completed 12 of his 14 pass attempts for 101 yards before exiting with the rib injury.

With Martinez reportedly being released and Rourke progressing in his recovery, the young quarterback appears to remain firmly in the 49ers' plans heading into the 2026 season.

This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.

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