The 49ers are placing rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling on injured reserve.
Stribling left San Francisco’s season opener in Australia with an ankle injury and was ruled out for at least a month with a deltoid sprain.
The 49ers won’t have their breakout rookie for some time, at minimum the next four games. Stribling’s absence is a tough loss for San Francisco as the rookie was one of the breakout stars in training camp and preseason.
He was the top-rated offensive rookie at any position in the preseason, according to Pro Football Focus, recording 11 of 13 targets in two games.
Stribling isn’t the only 49ers wide receiver that has been sideline. Christian Kirk has been injured since camp with a calf issue, already opening the door for Stribling to get more opportunities in the San Francisco offense as a rookie.
Ricky Pearsall was ruled out for the season because of season-ending surgery, which prompted the 49ers to bring back Deebo Samuel on a one-year deal. The 49ers were leaning on Stribling early this summer with quarterback Brock Purdy praising the breakout rookie.
There was speculation Stribling, if healthy, could go on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2026. But the earliest the Ole Miss product will be back on the field is in Week 6 against the Commanders.
Stribling is set to miss games against the Dolphins, Cardinals, Broncos and reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seahawks. As for Purdy, he’ll continue to lean on veteran receivers Mike Evans and Samuel like in Week 1 against the Rams.
Both receivers scored a touchdown in the season opening victory over LA.
Stribling’s absence certainly isn’t ideal for San Francisco, which means another signing could be made to combat the rookie’s extended absence.
