49ers WR De'Zhaun Stribling is expected to be out "at least" a month with a deltoid sprain to his left ankle, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "Stribling is still seeking opinions, and while surgery is not currently planned, it is possible," Rapoport adds. "SF will be cautious."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact
Stribling was leading 49ers WRs in snaps before exiting Thursday night's opener. He was clearly in line for a significant role and could still be a fantasy factor over the second half of the season.
Stribling is worth keeping stashed in fantasy leagues with IR spots or deep benches. But he might need to be dropped in shallow-bench setups.
Other Winners & Losers
Stribling's absence should mean more snaps for WRs Deebo Samuel and Demarcus Robinson. Those two split work in 2-WR sets after Stribling exited and played virtually all of the 3- WR snaps.
Samuel already looks like at least a weekly WR4 going forward and should be owned in all fantasy leagues. Robinson is worth stashing in deeper leagues.
