De'Zhaun Stribling is expected to miss a minimum of one month after departing the San Francisco 49ers' season opener with an ankle injury. His absence could extend beyond that point, but no return date has been projected.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the rookie wide receiver has a deltoid sprain. Stribling is continuing to seek medical opinions, according to the report. Surgery is not planned at present, though it remains a possibility, and the 49ers plan to handle the injury cautiously.
The situation could reduce San Francisco's rookie wide receiver options for several weeks. The update, published by sports.yahoo.com, prompted reactions from 49ers supporters focused on Stribling's recovery and the team's receiver depth. One fan called the news "Awful News," while others hoped he would receive sound medical direction and return healthy.
Another supporter expressed concern that tightrope surgery might be needed and that Stribling could miss the season, but the report did not establish that outcome.