San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling is expected to miss at least a month after suffering a deltoid sprain in his ankle during the team's season opener. Stribling was carted off the field before halftime of the game against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday.
Injury and Recovery
While surgery is not currently planned, Stribling is seeking additional medical opinions, leaving the possibility open. The 49ers organization intends to take a cautious approach with their second-round draft pick. The injury marks a significant setback for the team, which had high hopes for the rookie following his strong preseason performance.
Preseason Standout
Stribling emerged as a breakout player early in training camp, drawing attention from across the league. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the top-rated offensive rookie at any position during the preseason. In two games, he caught 11 of 13 targets. Despite his impressive camp and preseason, he did not record a reception before exiting the Week 1 game.
Impact on the Team
Stribling was projected to play a key role in the 49ers' wide receiver rotation, particularly with Ricky Pearsall also absent. The team will now need to navigate the upcoming month of the season without the promising rookie. Quarterback Brock Purdy has already lost multiple offensive weapons in the first week of the 2026 campaign, as tight end Jake Tonges also left the game with a foot injury. Veteran receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel are expected to carry a larger load in Stribling's absence.