From Newsweek · Rowan Fisher-Shotton · · 1m 30s
49ers lose rookie WR Stribling for over a month
San Francisco places promising young receiver on injured reserve after ankle injury in Week 1 win over the Rams.
In brief
San Francisco places promising young receiver on injured reserve after ankle injury in Week 1 win over the Rams. The 49ers are being cautious with rookie De'Zhaun Stribling's ankle sprain, sidelining him for at least four games and signing veteran KhaDarel Hodge as replacement depth. Originally reported by Newsweek.
49ers dominate Rams in Week 1
San Francisco defeated the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 in Melbourne, Australia, but the victory came with a significant injury to rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling.
Stribling exits with ankle injury
Stribling left in the second quarter with a left ankle deltoid ligament sprain, an unusual injury that's better than initially feared but still serious.
Stribling placed on injured reserve
The 49ers officially placed Stribling on injured reserve, keeping him out for at least the next four games despite some hope he might return sooner.
Hodge signed as replacement depth
San Francisco signed veteran wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge to its 53-man roster. Hodge has nine NFL seasons of experience but has primarily served as a depth piece.
Stribling had clear pathway to targets
The rookie had generated significant preseason hype and was positioned to see heavy playing time before the injury, with San Francisco needing receiver depth after losing Pearsall and Kirk.
49ers have manageable schedule ahead
San Francisco's next stretch includes three straight home games against Miami, Arizona, and Denver, allowing time for Stribling to recover while other receivers step up.
The bottom line
The 49ers are being cautious with rookie De'Zhaun Stribling's ankle sprain, sidelining him for at least four games and signing veteran KhaDarel Hodge as replacement depth.
