The San Francisco 49ers are facing uncertainty at wide receiver after rookie De’Zhaun Stribling left their 27-7 Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Rams with an ankle injury in Melbourne, Australia. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said medical checks found no Achilles tear, but the extent of the ankle problem and Stribling’s recovery timeline remain unclear.
The injury adds to concerns in the receiving group. San Francisco lost Ricky Pearsall for the season during training camp, while the team’s primary options include Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel. Stribling had been expected to have a significant role and was leading the 49ers in offensive snaps among receivers, including Evans, before leaving the game.
A trade proposal featured in a Sept. 11 article suggests that San Francisco pursue Carolina Panthers receiver Xavier Legette. The proposed deal would send the Panthers a 2027 fourth-round selection and a 2027 sixth-round selection obtained from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for Legette. The idea was discussed in a report carried by sports.yahoo.com.
Legette, a first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, had 35 catches on 59 targets last season. He finished with 363 receiving yards, averaged 10.4 yards per catch, recorded 74 yards after the catch and scored three touchdowns. The proposal’s author said Legette could benefit from joining an offense with a stronger quarterback and head coach, while giving San Francisco additional depth.
The 49ers’ offense also received attention after the win. Quarterback Brock Purdy completed 25 of 34 passes for 205 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, producing a 105.6 passer rating.
