Injury timeline revealed for 49ers' De'Zhaun Stribling

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Injury timeline revealed for 49ers' De'Zhaun Stribling

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 13, 2026 12:07 PM ET

Throughout training camp and the preseason, it became evident that the San Francisco 49ers had found a gem in the second round of the draft.

That gem is rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling from Ole Miss. Stribling turned heads throughout the offseason and was expected to be a focal point of the 49ers offense after they lost Christian Kirk and Ricky Pearsall.

Unfortunately for Stribling, he suffered an injury in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams, and the timeline for his return has now been revealed.

De'Zhaun Stribling will be out for at least a month

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Stribling suffered a deltoid strain in his ankle in the season opener and will be out for at least a month. A month is the best-case scenario, as Rapoport revealed that Stribling is still seeking opinions and that while it has not been decided yet, surgery is a possibility.

49ers WR De'Zhaun Stribling out at least a month with a deltoid sprain in his ankle. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/tshGEYQUvM
— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2026

49ers seem equipped to handle De'Zhaun Stribling's injury

Even with Stribling exiting the game in Week 1, San Francisco still cruised to a 27-7 win. That was largely due in part to an excellent performance by Mike Evans in his first game with the 49ers, as well as solid performances from others.

Stribling being out of the offense for at least a month is certainly a bad sign, considering the expectations he set for himself in the preseason and the role he was expected to play. Luckily for the 49ers, though, it seems they are still equipped with plenty of weapons around Brock Purdy to help them get through however long Stribling is out of action.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

More must-reads: