The San Francisco 49ers already couldn't shake the injury bug despite traveling to Australia to take on the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, losing defensive tackle Alfred Collins to a season-ending knee injury in practice.
But now, that lengthy injury reputation stretched into in-game action.
Rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, the Niners' top pick from last April's NFL Draft, went down with a non-contact injury in the first half. After spending considerable time in the medical tent and being ruled questionable, the former Ole Miss wideout was carted off the field with what appeared to be an ankle/calf injury.
Of course, there's a concern it's a serious Achilles injury, and the non-contact nature of it is awfully worrisome. The Niners already lost third-year pro Ricky Pearsall to knee surgery over the summer, putting even more pressure on the depth chart.
We'll keep you posted on the latest Stribling updates.
Updated on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 10:30 p.m. ET
49ers depth chart behind De'Zhaun Stribling is questionable
Stribling's injury ultimately puts head coach Kyle Shanahan's squad into a precarious position, although last year's injury-plagued campaign helped prove the coach can navigate through a litany of setbacks.
Fortunately, San Francisco's additions of veterans Mike Evans and (re-addition) of Deebo Samuel help alleviate the loss, although the back end of the depth chart is nowhere near as strong.
Ironically enough, another fringe wide receiver, Demarcus Robinson, ended up hauling in the 49ers' first touchdown of the season, and one can only hope his veteran presence alleviates any would-be extensive time missed by Stribling.
Behind Stribling and Robinson, Jacob Cowing will likely be the primary beneficiary and should get an extended amount of field time as a result.
The Niners opted not to dress second-year receiver Jordan Watkins for the showdown.
De'Zhaun Stribling injury updates
It didn't take long for San Francisco to rule Stribling out once he was carted off the field.
Fantasy football doctor Jeff Mueller later commented he felt it might be more of a foot/ankle issue as opposed to an Achilles, which could be a greater sigh of relief, especially considering a ruptured Achilles would almost be a guaranteed season-ending setback for the rookie.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan will provide further updates after the game, and it wouldn't be a surprise if a full diagnosis won't take place until the 49ers return to the United States.
Add us as a preferred source on Google