The 49ers won’t have their breakout rookie for some time.
Wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, who left Thursday’s season opener early with an injury, is expected to miss at least a month with a deltoid sprain in his ankle.
Stribling is still seeking opinions and surgery remains a possibility, though a procedure isn’t currently planned. The 49ers plan to take a cautious approach with their second round pick.
The Ole Miss product turned heads early in training camp and quickly caught the attention of the football world with a strong preseason performance. Stribling was the top-rated offensive rookie at any position in the preseason, per Pro Football Focus, recording 11 of 13 targets in two games.
The 49ers rookie didn’t catch a pass before he was carted off against the Rams.
Stribling was poised to play a key role with the 49ers wide receiver corps, especially in the absence of Ricky Pearsall. Now, the 49ers will have to continue the next month of the season without their rising star.
Though the 49ers have started off the 2026 campaign in dominant fashion, quarterback Brock Purdy already lost multiple weapons through one week. Aside from Stribling, tight end Jake Tonges left the game early with a foot injury.
But San Fransico’s offseason haul of Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel have been crucial for the team, as their strengths were on full display in Australia. For now, the 49ers will lean on Evans and Samuel while Stribling recovers.
