San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling was carted to the locker room during the second quarter of the team's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Friday, September 11, 2026. Stribling, the 49ers' top pick in the recent NFL draft, pulled up limp on a route and was helped off the field. He had previously visited the injury tent earlier in the game with an issue affecting his left ankle, the same leg he appeared to injure later.
Stribling was initially ruled questionable to return but briefly re-entered the game before his departure. The 49ers have not yet provided an official update on his condition. According to Pro Football Focus, Stribling was the top-rated offensive rookie at any position during the preseason. He had not yet recorded a reception before leaving his NFL debut with the injury.
Stribling's injury marks another setback for the 49ers, who are already dealing with other personnel issues. Defensive tackle Alfred Collins was previously ruled out for the season after sustaining a torn patellar tendon during practice. Additionally, the team is without Ricky Pearsall, their top pick from the 2024 draft.
The game against the Rams is being held in Melbourne, Australia, marking a significant travel commitment for the team.