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De'Zhaun Stribling injury update: Achilles tear feared after 49ers rookie goes down vs Rams

An Achilles tear has been speculated by some fans and injury analysts, based on how the injury appeared to happen.

Updated on: Sep 11, 2026, 07:48:39 IST
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De’Zhaun Stribling, the San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver, suffered a left leg injury during the Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne. He was carted off the field and later ruled out for the rest of the game.

What happened to De’Zhaun Stribling?

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling pictured. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling pictured. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Stribling first left the game late in the first quarter with a left ankle injury. He went to the medical tent, was listed as questionable, and then returned to the field.

However, he went down again on the 49ers’ next drive in the second quarter. The injury happened without contact as he ran a route. Stribling fell to the ground and needed help from trainers to leave the field.

Deep Dive

What injury did De'Zhaun Stribling suffer during the game against the Rams?

De'Zhaun Stribling suffered a left leg injury, with an Achilles tear feared as a possibility.

Why did De'Zhaun Stribling leave the game against the Rams?

Stribling initially left due to a left ankle injury but later went down again, potentially indicating a more severe injury.

How is the severity of De'Zhaun Stribling's injury being assessed?

The severity of Stribling's injury is under assessment, with analysts considering multiple possibilities, including an Achilles injury and calf strain.
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He was later carted to the locker room and ruled out for the rest of the game. He finished with no targets.

Also Read: Rams vs. 49ers at Melbourne Cricket Ground sparks ‘worst view’ backlash: ‘I’d be pissed’

Is De’Zhaun Stribling's injury an Achilles tear?

NFL injury analysts who reviewed the play pointed to several possibilities, including an Achilles injury, calf strain or ankle/lower-leg injury. They also noted that Stribling was unable to put weight on his left leg.

Jeff Mueller wrote on X that an Achilles injury was his biggest concern, followed by a calf strain and a fibula or ankle injury.

Jesse Morse also said a calf strain appeared most likely but noted that an Achilles tear could not be ruled out.

Also Read: 49ers vs Rams depth chart: Starters, backups, inactives and full Week 1 lineup for Australia

Tom Christ pointed out that Stribling had already left the game earlier with a left ankle issue. He said the second injury could involve the calf or Achilles, but the video did not provide enough information to know for sure.

More details, including the results of any scans and a potential recovery timeline, are expected after the game.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.

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