49ers Wideout Gets High Praise Amidst Injury-Hit Roster
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling is the best wideout on the team, according to On SI's Grant Cohn.
The San Francisco 49ers are grappling with a series of injuries, issues that have become increasingly common in recent years. Among the most affected positions is wide receiver, where recent additions and draft picks have faced significant setbacks. Six-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans has been sidelined due to a quad strain, preventing his participation in the past five practice sessions.
Moreover, 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall is set to miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing PCL surgery in Week 4 of the 2025 season. Despite these challenges, the team's promising draft pick, De Zhaun Stribling, has been making a name for himself. According to Sports Illustrated's Grant Cohn, Stribling has been the team's top performer in training camp.
In a recent deep crossing route against Marques Sigle, Stribling managed to catch a 40-yard bomb from quarterback Brock Purdy, a feat that no other wide receiver on the roster can currently replicate. With key players Evans and Pearsall missing substantial practice time, Stribling has earned a spot on the first team, alongside veteran receivers Deebo Samuel and Christian Kirk.
The arrival of Evans has restored a sense of optimism to the receiving corps, suggesting that the team could be competent with the current lineup.
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