49ers Rookies Stribling, Dugger Shine in 19-13 Preseason Loss to Titans

3 articles · Updated · The San Francisco Standard · Aug 13

Seven catches for 63 yards put De’Zhaun Stribling at the center of San Francisco’s opener, with the 49ers shutting down the rookie early after he beat Titans starter Cor’Dale Flott on multiple grabs.
Jaden Dugger also flashed a likely role in Raheem Morris’ new defense, using his 7-foot wingspan to chase down Cam Ward and add a tackle for loss as a versatile “Fever backer” candidate.
Kurtis Rourke helped drive that early showing, completing 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards while outplaying Ward even as San Francisco rested Brock Purdy and most starters.
Corliss Waitman strengthened his grip on the punting job by pinning Tennessee inside the 10 on his first two punts and booming a 55-yarder in a competition reshaped by Jack Bouwmeester’s release.
The 19-13 defeat still offered encouragement for San Francisco: against Tennessee starters, the 49ers’ backups played to a 7-7 tie early and held a 9-minute edge in possession.