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De'Zhaun Stribling news

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The gist

49ers rookie De'Zhaun Stribling caught seven passes for 63 yards in preseason debut. His emergence could fill void left by injured receivers.

Background

The San Francisco 49ers selected De'Zhaun Stribling with the No. 33 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He impressed in his preseason debut against the Titans, leading the team with seven catches for 63 yards. With Ricky Pearsall out for the season and Mike Evans dealing with soreness, Stribling's role has grown, making him a key player to watch.

How it unfolded

  1. Apr 2026The 49ers drafted De'Zhaun Stribling with the No. 33 overall pick, a move that drew criticism from analysts.
  2. Aug 13, 2026Stribling made his preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans, catching seven passes for 63 yards in the first half.
  3. Aug 14, 2026Stribling said he felt 'really clicking with the offense' after his debut performance.
  4. Aug 15, 2026ESPN reported that Stribling is the first rookie in a decade with seven or more receptions in the first half of a team's first preseason game.
  5. Aug 17, 2026Coach Kyle Shanahan offered cautious praise, noting Stribling struggled on the first drive but improved after.
  6. Aug 19, 2026Mike Evans left a joint practice with the Chargers early due to ankle soreness, raising concerns about the receiver depth and Stribling's potential increased role.

Who’s saying what

Official
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Stribling's performance 'seemed good' but noted he struggled on the first drive, emphasizing there's room for improvement.
Analysts
Fantasy football analysts suggest targeting Stribling late in drafts due to his preseason performance and the 49ers' injury situation.
Caution
Some observers caution that Stribling's college production was limited and he still has much to learn in Shanahan's offense, so expectations should be tempered.

Still unverified

Mike Evans' injury is not considered serious, but the long-term impact on his availability is unconfirmed.

Sources

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