NFL: Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers
Aug 13, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'zhaun Stribling (15) sprints from the line of scrimmage in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
We now know just about how long San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling will be out with his injury.
Stribling suffered an injury in the season-opening victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night that forced his early exit.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Stribling has been diagnosed with a deltoid ligament injury and is expected to miss at least a month.
“De’Zhaun Stribling, who really has impressed all throughout camp, is expected to miss at least a month with a deltoid ligament sprain,” Rapoport said.
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“Now, he’s still soliciting opinions, still trying to see what the best course of action is,” he said. No surgery as of now is planned, but my understanding is it is at least still an option for Stribling.”
A month from now would put Stribling’s return at about Week 5, although it doesn’t sound like Rapoport’s timeline is concrete, so it could be shorter or longer.
The worst-case scenario would be Stribling needing surgery, which would keep him out a lot longer than just a month.
Impact of De’Zhaun Stribling’s injury on 49ers
NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De’zhaun Stribling (15) attempts to catch a pass over Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Deane Leonard (33) during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The 49ers can ill-afford to lose a wide receiver, and especially one who figured to have a huge role in the offense this season.
With Stribling out, that will lead to more snaps for Demarcus Robinson, who had a solid showing in Week 1 with a team-high 50 yards on two catches. Robinson also scored.
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The Niners are also going to need a bit more from Deebo Samuel, Mike Evans and George Kittle while Stribling is sidelined.
Stribling wasn’t the only injury the 49ers suffered in Week 1, as the team also lost Jake Tonges, who suffered an unspecified MCL injury, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The 49ers have been absolutely snake-bitten by injuries in recent years, whether they’ve been near the substation or not.
And, after just one game, it doesn’t look like that problem is going to be going away anytime soon, and that’s a major concern for San Francisco’s 2026 season.