The San Francisco 49ers opened their season with a 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, while second-round pick De’Zhaun Stribling suffered a deltoid ligament sprain. He was ruled out early and is expected to miss at least a month as the team reviews treatment options. No further treatment details were provided.
San Francisco produced 379 total yards without Stribling. Mike Evans paced the receivers with six catches for 49 yards, converted several third downs and caught a touchdown on a fade at the beginning of the third quarter. Demarcus Robinson finished with 50 yards and two receptions, one of them a 39-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
Deebo Samuel Sr. had six catches totaling 48 yards and found the end zone early in the fourth quarter.
Jordan Watkins, who was inactive against the Rams, could see a larger role. In his second season in the system, he has not had an extended regular-season assignment and could be used on deep routes, shorter passes and rushing downs because of his blocking.
Jacob Cowing is another possible slot option, including crossing routes intended to create space after catches, although his smaller size could affect his blocking duties. George Kittle, Kyle Juszczyk and Christian McCaffrey are also expected to contribute as pass catchers. McCaffrey is among the team’s leading receivers, and Kittle’s role is expected to increase after returning from an Achilles injury.