San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling could give the offense a boost later this season. Fox Sports NFL reporter Greg Auman named the 2026 second-round pick one of the NFL’s leading “breakout candidates” for the stretch run. The 49ers were 7-1 ahead of their Week 10 game against the Dallas Cowboys, though Stribling was still expected to miss several weeks.
San Francisco had dealt with numerous injuries at receiver, and Stribling had been sidelined since spraining his ankle in the season opener. Auman noted that the 33rd overall pick, selected out of Ole Miss, had received strong reviews during the preseason. He also pointed to the need for a talented complement to Mike Evans, alongside trade-deadline addition Keenan Allen.
## Stribling’s Injury and Potential Return
Stribling earned a starting role for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams after being selected 33rd overall. He suffered a serious ankle injury in Week 1 and underwent surgery to repair the deltoid ligament, an injury that has kept him out for most of his rookie season.
In an update shared on November 3, Stribling was seen walking around without crutches or a lower-leg brace. Dr. Jeff Mueller estimated that Stribling might not return to live practice reps until December, around Weeks 13–15. Before he can return, he will need to build up his agility and ability to handle physical loads and make sharp changes of direction.
## Stribling’s Size and Speed
At 6 feet 3 inches and 206 pounds, Stribling has an unusual combination of size and speed. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine, giving the 49ers a potentially explosive receiving option if he can return to form.
Stribling showed promise in the preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, leading San Francisco with seven receptions for 63 yards on eight targets. All seven catches came in the first half.
