De'Zhaun Stribling is expected to be sidelined for at least a month after injuring his left ankle during San Francisco's Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. ESPN reported the injury, which could keep the 49ers rookie out for a substantial part of the season.
Stribling is not currently scheduled for surgery, though he is seeking additional medical opinions. A procedure remains possible as San Francisco takes a cautious approach, according to the report.
The injury happened in the second quarter while Stribling ran a route toward the middle of the field. He had gotten away from Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie when he appeared to hurt his left leg. After moving forward while favoring it, Stribling went down, received help from trainers and was taken to the locker room because he could not put weight on the leg.
He had earlier left with an ankle issue, returned after being listed as questionable and later exited again.
Stribling, a Mississippi State product chosen No. 33 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, had 11 catches on 13 preseason targets for 109 yards. He had no offensive statistics in his regular-season debut and was not targeted by Brock Purdy. The injury also limits his opportunity to pursue Offensive Rookie of the Year.