Dezhaun Stribling news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
49ers rookie wideout De'Zhaun Stribling practiced in Melbourne after a minor shoulder injury.
He's in line for a big role in the season opener against the Rams.
Background
Stribling was the No. 33 overall pick in the 2026 draft out of Ole Miss and stood out in 49ers training camp and the preseason, totaling 11 catches for 109 yards in two preseason games. He dealt with a minor shoulder issue that kept him out of the preseason finale, but he returned to practice and suited up in Melbourne ahead of the season opener. Analysts and fantasy outlets are watching him closely because San Francisco's other pass catchers have injury questions.
How it unfolded
- Aug 2026Stribling totaled 11 catches for 109 yards across two preseason games and drew strong grades from Pro Football Focus.
- recentlyHe worked through a minor shoulder issue and did not play in the preseason finale.
- Sep 7, 2026Stribling was in full uniform for practice in Melbourne, Australia, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner.
- Sep 10, 2026He is expected to be in action when the 49ers face the Rams in Melbourne on Thursday night.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- NFL exec Matt Lombardo predicted Stribling will win Offensive Rookie of the Year, citing his speed, size and route-running fit in Kyle Shanahan's system.
- Caution
- FantasyPros expects Stribling to operate as the third or fourth option in the passing attack in Week 1 with Mike Evans and George Kittle playing, though it likes his season-long outlook.
Still unverified
Matt Lombardo's Offensive Rookie of the Year prediction is a single analyst's opinion, not a confirmed outcome; Stribling's exact level of practice participation was not specified.