SANTA CLARA — Rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling had an impressive week of practice in Australia and earned a starting role in his first NFL game.After undergoing ankle surgery on Wednesday, Stribling will remain sidelined until at least late November.
“His week in Melbourne, it was awesome, how he practiced,” coach Kyle Shanahan said on 49ers Game Plan.
“It was real disappointing to lose him, but I’m glad we’re going to get him back eventually.”
If you’re looking for clues on how the 49ers plan to move forward without Stribling, use the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams as the guide.
“Strib went out pretty early, and that’s how it was,” Shanahan said, “and that’s how I expect it to be until he gets back.”
Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and Demarcus Robinson caught touchdown passes from Brock Purdy in the 49ers’ 27-7 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
Jacob Cowing and KhaDarel Hodge, whose main contributions come on special teams, were the fourth and fifth wide receivers after Stribling’s exit. More info on: Jacob Cowing, Mike Evans, KhaDarel Hodge, Brock Purdy, Demarcus Robinson, Deebo Samuel