NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan leaves the field after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images.
The San Francisco 49ers have already dealt with several injury problems before and during their NFL season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, and their wide receiver room has now taken another hit. San Francisco entered the game without Christian Kirk, who is on injured reserve, while Jordan Watkins was inactive.
Rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling became the latest concern after suffering an ankle injury in the first half. He initially entered the medical tent after limping off during the 49ers’ second drive, returned to the field in the second quarter and then needed help getting off again after another play involving Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie. The initial injury appeared to be non-contact.
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De’Zhaun Stribling was carted off the field
NFL: Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De’zhaun Stribling (15) Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Stribling was carted off the field after visiting the medical tent ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the game, leaving San Francisco without one of the young receivers it expected to contribute immediately.
The injury is a significant blow because Stribling had quickly established himself as an important part of Kyle Shanahan’s plans.
#49ers @SutterHealth Injury Update: De'Zhaun Stribling has been ruled OUT (ankle).
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 11, 2026
The 49ers selected Stribling No. 33 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him the first player they selected this year. He also impressed during the preseason, catching 11 passes for 109 yards before the opener. He was already seeing meaningful work against Los Angeles before leaving.
San Francisco’s receiver group entered the season with Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel leading the way, while Stribling, Demarcus Robinson and Jacob Cowing provided the remaining depth.
Demarcus Robinson immediately steps up
With Stribling out, Robinson was the player San Francisco turned to, and he immediately delivered.
On the same drive in which Stribling left the game, Robinson caught a 39-yard touchdown pass to give the 49ers the lead over the Rams.
The 49ers now have fewer proven options around Brock Purdy, particularly with Watkins inactive and Kirk already unavailable. Stribling’s injury removes a receiver who had earned an opportunity to become a significant part of the offense.
At the moment, Evans, Samuel, Robinson and Cowing will have to carry more of the workload. Robinson’s touchdown gave San Francisco an important early response, but the 49ers will need their remaining receivers to maintain that production if Stribling’s absence extends beyond Thursday night.