Rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling is expected to be sidelined until at least late November after undergoing ankle surgery Wednesday, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. Stribling had earned a starting position for his first NFL game after impressing during the team’s preparation in Melbourne, Australia. Shanahan said the team expects him back, while noting the loss was disappointing.
San Francisco plans to spread Stribling’s responsibilities across five receivers instead of assigning them to one replacement for its game against the Miami Dolphins at Levi’s Stadium. Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and Demarcus Robinson each scored on passes from Brock Purdy in the 49ers’ 27-7 victory against the Los Angeles Rams.
Jacob Cowing and KhaDarel Hodge also were used, with their main contributions coming on special teams. Shanahan said several players had chances among the six receivers available the previous week, and three of them scored.
Jordan Watkins, a second-year receiver chosen in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, did not play in Week 2. San Francisco also has Ricky Pearsall out for the season after August knee surgery. Christian Kirk, sidelined on injured reserve because of a calf strain, becomes eligible for activation in Week 5.
If Stribling’s recovery takes 10 weeks, he could return for the Nov. 29 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, but Shanahan said he would have to compete for a role rather than automatically resume a full-time spot.