Despite winning their season opener by 20 points, the San Francisco 49ers suffered a significant blow in their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, a preseason standout for the 49ers, will miss about 10 weeks with a deltoid rupture.
Bad news for the rookie WR and the 49ers: https://t.co/md6zwDEusL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2026
The original timeline for Stribling was about a month. However, after seeking other opinions, Stribling and the 49ers decided to fully repair the deltoid rupture. He is expected to make a full recovery.
With new information early this week, #49ers and De’Zhaun Stribling make a smart decision and opt to repair his deltoid rupture. Surgery will allow a complete recovery and Stribling should be back in late
November or early December. https://t.co/EScUcRvIXG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2026
If he misses exactly 10 weeks, he will return for San Francisco’s game against the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 22. If it were a little longer, he could come back in time for their December matchup against the New York Giants.
Stribling was expected to play a major role in the 49ers' offense this season. Now, San Francisco will need other receivers, such as Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, to keep making an impact this season. Both receivers were targeted seven times, had six receptions, and caught a touchdown in the season opener. Running back Christian McCaffrey also played an active role in the receiving game with eight targets and five receptions.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: 49ers WR De'Zhaun Stribling out about 10 weeks with deltoid rupture
