Kurtis Rourke just came out slingin’ in the San Francisco 49ers’ first preseason game, looking every bit like an NFL quarterback. His performance against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night at Levi’s Stadium has got folks wondering if Mac Jones’s future in Santa Clara is already starting to look shaky. I’m talkin’ about that trade deadline potentially making Jones an expendable piece if Rourke keeps this up.
Rourke’s Rib Injury Doesn’t Hide the Spark
Drafted by the 49ers in 2025, Rourke’s first real look in an NFL game was flat out impressive, even if a rib injury cut his night short after just three drives. The kid completed 12-of-14 passes for 101 yards. Think about that: almost perfect passing, and he didn’t even play a full half. What really popped was his ability to keep plays alive with his legs, keeping his eyes upfield the whole time. You saw it on an early fourth down when the pocket collapsed fast. Instead of panicking, Rourke just slipped Cody Barton’s tackle, got himself out of traffic, and kept the play going. That’s the kind of poise you want to see, especially from a guy getting his first NFL snaps. It’s clear why he’s already being talked about as a real threat to Jones’s spot on the roster, maybe even forcing a move down the line.
Dugger Shines in the First Dress Rehearsal
While Rourke owned the offensive headlines, linebacker Jaden Dugger absolutely capitalized on his training camp hype for the defense. This rookie is in a serious battle against Nick Martin for that SAM linebacker spot, and he made a quick, solid first impression. Even though most of the 49ers’ starters, including Dugger, didn’t play long, he was noticeable out there. On Tennessee’s second play from scrimmage, Cam Ward thought he could scramble, but Dugger wasn’t having it. He made an instantaneous read after dropping back ten yards and met Ward at the 24-yard line, holding him to a measly two-yard gain. Then, on the Titans’ next drive, Dugger followed up with a great arm tackle on Tyjae Spears, stopping him after just four yards. Just a pair of tackles for Dugger, but they were impactful. He’s clearly trying to position himself as a starter on that San Francisco defense. Ephesians Prysock also had an end zone pass breakup, and Gracen Halton even had a sack negated by a holding call, but Dugger was the one that truly stood out.
This first dress rehearsal of the 2026 season was all about seeing who steps up to make the roster, and these two definitely made their case. The 49ers have more preseason games coming up, and every snap for Rourke and Dugger means serious business for their future with the team. You gotta wonder if Rourke’s next outing will push Mac Jones even closer to the trade block.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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