49ers rookie De’Zhaun Stribling ruled out after being carted off

Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Francisco 49ers' injury luck couldn't have been worse coming into the season. It's a team that consistently has been among the worst in the NFL in adjusted games lost. Unfortunately, that trend is continuing in 2026.

De'Zhaun Stribling left the game early on, but shortly returned. When he did come back, Stribling was carted off the field. It was a non-contact injury in which Stribling couldn't put any pressure on his left leg. The 49ers immediately ruled him out, which is never a good sign.

49ers rookie WR De'Zhaun Stribling was carted off the field after suffering an apparent leg injury.

( Netflix) pic.twitter.com/rtcwZQcqLH

- ESPN Fantasy Sports (@ESPNFantasy) September 11, 2026

Stribling played 21 snaps before he left with an injury. The 49ers relied on Jacob Cowing and Deebo Samuel in Stribling's absence. They'll likely use Demarcus Robinson more moving forward.

A wide receiver core that looked promising a month ago is now without two of its top three targets with Stribling's injury and Ricky Pearsall out for the season.

Tight end Jake Tonges was also carted off with a lower leg injury. He's questionable to return, but this does not seem like somebody who is coming back:

Jake Tonges being carted off pic.twitter.com/GwuH83fKhu

- John Chapman (@JL_Chapman) September 11, 2026

Luke Farrell and Kyle Juszczyk are playing in Tonges's place.