49ers rookie WR De’Zhaun Stribling expected to miss at least 4 weeks with deltoid sprain

The San Francisco 49ers will be without rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling for at least the next month. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Stribling suffered a deltoid sprain in his ankle during San Francisco's season opener and is expected to miss at least four weeks.

Rapoport posted, "49ers rookie WR De'Zhaun Stribling, who left the opener early with an injury, is out at least a month with a deltoid sprain in his ankle, sources say."

Rapoport also added that Stribling is still seeking additional opinions on the injury. Surgery is not currently planned, but it remains a possibility as the 49ers determine the best course of action. The team is expected to be cautious with the rookie rather than rushing him back.

Stribling entered the season hoping to carve out a role in San Francisco's wide receiver group after a strong training camp. Before his injury, the rookie wide receiver had already logged several snaps and was expected to be a big part of Kyle Shanahan's offense. His injury is another setback for a 49ers team that will now have to move forward without one of its young receivers for a portion of the early season.

The deltoid ligament is on the inside of the ankle. It helps stabilize the ankle, particularly when the foot rolls outward. A significant deltoid ligament injury can take some time to heal, which helps explain why the 49ers are being cautious and why surgery is being considered if the injury proves more severe. The fact that surgery isn't currently planned is at least encouraging, but Stribling's recovery timeline will ultimately depend on how his ankle responds and whether another evaluation changes the team's approach.

For now, the 49ers appear prepared to give the rookie the time he needs rather than risk turning a month-long absence into something much longer.

Mentioned in this article: De'Zhaun Stribling