49ers preseason highlights rookie receiver Stribling and quarterback Rourke's rib injury

San Francisco rookie slot receiver De’Zhaun Stribling made a notable impact in the 49ers' preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, catching seven passes for 63 yards and converting a critical third-and-6 play near the sideline. The play was reviewed after the Titans challenged it, but replay confirmed Stribling kept both feet inbounds for an 11-yard gain that set up a short touchdown run by Patrick Taylor Jr.

Quarterback Kurtis Rourke started the game, completing 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards before exiting with a rib injury sustained on a 3-yard run near the goal line. He remained in the game to finish the drive but was taken to a hospital for breathing difficulties; coach Kyle Shanahan said the injury did not appear serious but provided no further update.

"It seemed good," Shanahan said of Stribling’s performance. "I liked how his hands looked out there, and he played physical."

"My first time being out there, I was just a little excited, a little nervous," Stribling added. "But getting the first hit out of the way, the first catch out of the way, I started getting into a groove."

Stribling also expressed concern for Rourke, saying he hoped the quarterback would recover quickly. Other preseason standouts included defensive tackle Gracen Halton, who recorded a sack that was nullified by a penalty, and rookie linebacker Jaden Dugger, who earned increased responsibility in the defensive rotation. The 49ers' running game struggled, managing only 47 yards on 17 carries in the first half.

The game highlighted several players who could compete for roster spots, such as guards Robert Jones and Connor Colby, defensive linemen Alfred Collins and Romello Height, and safety Marques Sigle. The preseason performance provides early indicators as the team prepares for its regular-season opener in Australia on September 10.