49ers OC highlights Kurtis Rourke, De’Zhaun Stribling after preseason opener

The San Francisco 49ers’ offense had an uneven night in Thursday’s preseason opener, but offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak came away encouraged by several of the young players who received extended opportunities in the 19-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

One of the biggest positives was seventh-round quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who completed 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards in his first competitive football game in nearly two years.

Rourke finished with a 96.7 passer rating and did not turn the ball over before leaving the game with an injury.

Kubiak was particularly impressed with how Rourke handled the mechanics of operating an NFL offense.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 13: Kurtis Rourke #14 of the San Francisco 49ers scrambling with the ball carries it to teh one yard line against the Tennessee Titans in the first half at Levi’s Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

“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.”

Kubiak also provided a positive update on Rourke’s injury, saying he does not expect the quarterback to miss significant time.

“I don’t think it’ll be long, though,” Kubiak said. “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 wasn’t the only young offensive player to make an impression. Wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling led the 49ers with seven receptions for 63 yards on 10 targets, showing the ability that made him an intriguing player entering camp.

Kubiak said Stribling still has plenty to clean up, particularly with his route running and alignment, but praised his ability once the ball is in his hands.

“The way he is with the ball in his hand, the way he catches the ball,” Kubiak said. “He’s a very, very strong player.”

The 49ers finished with 238 passing yards and 260 total receiving yards, while Adrian Martinez completed 16 of 30 passes for 159 yards. Jordan Watkins also provided a spark with six catches for 59 yards.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Mike Evans #5 of the San Francisco 49ers works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility on July 27, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, veteran wide receiver Mike Evans continues to work his way into San Francisco’s offense after missing time with a quad issue. Kubiak said Evans is adjusting to Brock Purdy, the team’s route tree and the timing of the offense.

“He’s out there competing and getting better,” Kubiak said. “And Mike has the right mindset that he’s just out there to get better.”

The offensive line competition remains another storyline to watch, with multiple players competing for starting jobs. Kubiak believes the competition can ultimately make the entire group stronger.

“We’re looking for consistency,” Kubiak said. “We’re looking for guys who come off the ball and play with great technique, consistency.”

For Kubiak, Thursday was less about the final score and more about evaluating players as the 49ers continue progressing toward the regular season.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Raheem Morris encouraged by 49ers’ D in preseason opener
• Brock Purdy excited by 49ers’ progress as preseason kicks off
• 49ers OC: Deebo Samuel ‘Still Looks Like Deebo’
• Mac Jones says preparation is his strength as 49ers enter preseason
• 49ers DC Raheem Morris has zero worries about Nick Bosa’s return

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Thursday, August 20th – @ Los Angeles Chargers – 7:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 27th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 5:00 pm PT

Regular Season

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Raheem Morris encouraged by 49ers’ D in preseason openerSan Francisco awarded 2028 MLB All-Star GameFaithful Flashbacks #19: Young’s Iconic ScrambleThe Zo Era Begins: Alonzo Carter Lays Out His Vision for Sac State Football4 Takeaways From The Kings 2026-27 ScheduleSacramento Kings release 2026-27 regular season schedule