San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling will miss at least one month due to a left ankle injury suffered during the team’s season-opening win against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, according to reports from NFL Network.
The San Francisco 49ers saw their early-season momentum tempered on Thursday as rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling suffered a significant setback during the team’s 27-7 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. Selected with the first pick of the second round at No. 33 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, the former Ole Miss standout is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks.
Injury Timeline and Initial Diagnosis in Australia
The injury occurred during the second quarter when Stribling pulled up after running a route. Described initially as a non-contact incident, the rookie came up favoring his left leg and was unable to put weight on it before being helped into the medical tent and carted off to the locker room.
Following the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that initial checks showed Stribling’s Achilles tendon was intact while noting that further evaluation was required. Subsequent reports from ESPN pointed to a deltoid ligament sprain in the left ankle, with medical staff leaving open the possibility that surgical intervention could be required depending on his recovery trajectory.
Niners coach Kyle Shanahan indicated after the game that Stribling avoided an Achilles tear but said the team needed to conduct further medical tests to determine a specific diagnosis.
The team’s recovery plan for the rookie was uncertain as of Sunday morning.
Impact on the 49ers Depth Chart and Roster Health
Stribling’s absence arrives just as the franchise attempts to navigate a mounting wave of physical setbacks across the roster. Ricky Pearsall is already lost for the year following knee surgery in August, while defensive tackle Alfred Collins tore a patellar tendon during practice sessions in Australia, and tight end Jake Tonges also departed the Rams matchup with a knee injury.
The receiver entered the professional ranks following a standout collegiate career at Ole Miss and quickly built a strong rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy during a productive summer camp. Analysts noted that his preseason performance had elevated him into a prominent role on the offensive depth chart, drawing praise from teammates and coaches alike before dealing with brief hamstring tightness earlier in August.
Offensive Adjustments for San Francisco
With the rookie out of the lineup for at least the next month, the coaching staff will lean heavily on established veterans and alternate targets. In the opener against Los Angeles, newcomer Mike Evans led the receiving corps with 48 snaps, accompanied by Demarcus Robinson logging 40 snaps and Deebo Samuel taking 26.
Jacob Cowing is also positioned for increased participation as the team prepares to return stateside. The 49ers hold a 1-0 record and enjoy a ten-day rest window before hosting the Miami Dolphins for their home opener.
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