San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling has undergone surgery on his injured left ankle and is expected to miss about 10 weeks, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday.
The team has placed Stribling on injured reserve, a move that requires him to sit out at least four games. ESPN had reported earlier Wednesday that Stribling was expected to miss at least a month before Shanahan’s later comments extended that timeline.
Stribling, a second-round pick out of Ole Miss, was hurt late in the first quarter of San Francisco’s Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He returned to the game briefly but went down again on the 49ers’ next offensive drive and had to be carted off the field. There was initial concern he had torn his Achilles, but Shanahan ruled that out after the game.
Stribling did not record a catch in his NFL debut before the injury, though he had drawn attention during a strong offseason and training camp. Despite his absence, the 49ers still beat their divisional rival, with quarterback Brock Purdy leading a productive passing attack.
His injury adds to a difficult stretch for San Francisco’s receiving corps, which is already without Ricky Pearsall for the season due to a knee injury.
With Stribling sidelined, veterans Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and Demarcus Robinson are expected to see a heavier workload. Against the Rams, the three combined for 14 catches, 147 yards and three touchdowns.
The 49ers next host the Miami Dolphins in Week 2, where San Francisco’s ability to keep its offense productive despite the injuries will be closely watched.
