49ers rookie De'Zhaun Stribling exits Rams game on cart in scary moment image
It's always a scary thing when a player goes down during an NFL game, and that's especially the case when it's a rookie with a promising future in the league. Unfortunately, during the San Francisco 49ers' season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, one rookie's time on the field was cut short.
Wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling exited the Rams game on a cart after suffering an ankle injury. He hurt his ankle earlier in the game but was able to come back into it not long after. However, the rookie wide receiver wasn't able to stay in and had to be carted out on a medical vehicle.
Nick Wagoner of ESPN reports that the player has been ruled out for the game.
De'Zhaun Stribling's promising future with the 49ers
The 49ers drafted Stribling in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft with the 33rd overall selection. He played at Ole Miss before heading to the pros.
According to his profile on the 49ers' official website, Stribling began his football career as a quarterback before transitioning to wide receiver in the seventh grade.
He played in 56 games with 55 starts in five seasons at Mississippi. He also graduated with a degree in university studies from Oklahoma State, according to the 49ers.
His draft profile said of the player, "He's also one of the most competitive run blockers in the WR class. Stribling projects as an immediate WR4 who could eventually work his way into a starting role."
It would certainly help Brock Purdy to have another strong wideout target, so let's hope this injury isn't long-term.