All articles tagged with #dezhaun stribling
San Francisco’s depth showed in a 41-17 preseason win over the Chargers, with De'Zhaun Stribling catching four of five targets for 45 yards, Jacob Cowing returning a punt 83 yards for a touchdown, CB Jack Jones contributing in coverage, and LB Tatum Bethune logging five tackles as the 49ers highlighted standout performances ahead of the regular season.
Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason featured Bo Nix sparking the Broncos’ offense, rookie De'Zhaun Stribling continuing a historic breakout for the 49ers, and Geno Smith delivering a clean, productive showing with the Jets after his rough 2025 season. In contrast, first overall pick Fernando Mendoza struggled in his Texans debut, getting overwhelmed by a strong Houston defense that produced an 80-yard pick-six and an early sack. The Jets also benefited from multiple takeaways, while rookies like Kayden McDonald and Wade Woodaz flashed on defense for Houston, and special-teams produced notable moments (including Jacob Cowing’s 83-yard punt return TD).
San Francisco rolled to a 41-17 win over the Chargers in Week 2 of the NFL preseason, with De'Zhaun Stribling continuing his strong camp (4 catches, 46 yards) and Jacob Cowing delivering a punt-return TD as he contends for a roster spot. Kaelon Black showed burst and elite pass-blocking, Brock Purdy looked sharp in a brief series, and the 49ers weighed running back and left guard depth as they prep for Week 1 against the Rams, aided by Sincere McCormick, Adrian Martinez, and several backups making cases for their spots.
In the 49ers’ second preseason game vs. the Chargers, Brock Purdy moved the offense efficiently on a 4-for-6, 29-yard opening drive highlighted by De’Zhaun Stribling’s multiple catches; the first-team defense showed sparks from Okuayinonu, Dugger and Lenoir before Deion Green left with a hamstring injury; rookie Kaelon Black impressed with 33 yards on eight carries, while Sincere McCormick added a 37-yard run and a TD; special teams produced a standout moment as Deebo Samuel lined up for the first punt return and rookie Cowing returned an 83-yard punt for a TD, likely cementing a roster spot amid Patrick Taylor Jr.’s IR designation.
In a 41-17 preseason win over the Chargers at SoFi Stadium, San Francisco rookies DeZhaun Stribling and Kaelon Black impressed. Stribling caught 4 of 5 targets for 46 yards, including a near-TD catch that coach Kyle Shanahan said was a catch he must make, and he has 11 catches for 109 yards over two preseason games. Black, making his debut after an adductor strain, rushed eight times for 33 yards with his longest run of 9 yards; Shanahan said he liked his physical running and would have liked to keep him in longer, health permitting. The duo is drawing early praise and quieting doubters about the 49ers' draft choices.
Week 1 of the 2026 NFL preseason delivered several fantasy-relevant takeaways, led by De’Zhaun Stribling’s breakout for the 49ers (7 catches, 63 yards on 13 targets) and Germie Bernard’s strong slot-play showing for the Steelers as he competes for the WR3 role. The piece also covers a host of backfield battles and depth-chart updates across teams (e.g., Brooks in Carolina, Higgins in Houston, Branch in Atlanta) and notes on quarterback reps and rookie performances to watch as fantasy drafts approach.
Week 1 of NFL preseason offered a mix of measured takeaways: Cam Ward’s early struggles for the Titans aren’t a panic signal, De’Zhaun Stribling flashed breakout potential for the 49ers, Fernando Mendoza’s strong debut won’t instantly crown him Week 1 starter, Drew Allar impressed for the Steelers but remains far from a guaranteed QB1, and DJ Moore’s Bills debut hints at a much-needed upgrade to Buffalo’s passing game; QB battles in Atlanta and Cleveland still look unsettled, and much of this is preseason noise rather than guarantees for the regular season.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, the club’s first pick in the 2026 draft, flashed in his preseason debut vs. the Titans with seven catches for 63 yards in the first half. He dropped one target and missed a block but showed strong hands and physicality; Kyle Shanahan noted his improvement after the first drive and said he’ll be used beyond the slot. If he stays healthy and continues to stack reps, he could become a versatile option alongside Deebo Samuel and Mike Evans ahead of the regular season.
Week 1 of the NFL preseason delivered a mix of bright debuts and rough outings. Steelers rookie Drew Allar stood out with 153 passing yards and three total touchdowns, while Titans QB Cam Ward had a mixed showing (5-of-12, 57 yards). Notable winners included Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton, Raiders hopeful Fernando Mendoza, and 49ers rookie De’Zhaun Stribling, along with Bengals hopeful Dohnte Meyers. On the flip side, Falcons faced off-field suspensions and a blowout loss, Patriots kicker Andy Borregales misfired multiple times in a 13-13 tie, Lions’ Isaac TeSlaa went without a catch, Colts’ Riley Leonard struggled against Patriots backups, and Chargers’ Trey Lance was outplayed by DJ Uiagalelei. As always in the preseason, results are initial and players have time to adjust.
Titans coach Robert Saleh praised 49ers second‑round pick De’Zhaun Stribling after a standout preseason debut (7 receptions for 63 yards in the first half), noting his size and contested catches. Saleh emphasized urgency to keep developing the young receiver and get him more reps, as Stribling aims to make an impact this season after being taken in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling caught seven of eight targets for 63 yards in his NFL preseason debut for the 49ers against the Titans, including an 11-yard sideline grab. After hamstring tightness slowed his camp, coach Kyle Shanahan praised his hands and progress, noting he’ll keep learning multiple positions as San Francisco fell 19-13 to Tennessee.
De’Zhaun Stribling led the night with seven catches for 63 yards, Kurtis Rourke went 12-for-14 for 101 yards before a rib injury cut his night, and LB Jaden Dugger anchored the defense; together, they boosted Rourke’s bid for the third QB spot and kept Mac Jones’ job in doubt.
De’Zhaun Stribling starred in the 49ers’ preseason opener with seven catches for 63 yards, including a 32-yard grab, while Kurtis Rourke impressed before exiting with a rib injury; Adrian Martinez struggled as the backup, and the run game was limited, though several depth players like Gracen Halton, Jaden Dugger, and Ephesians Prysock flashed for San Francisco.
In the 49ers' first 2026 preseason game against the Titans, De’Zhaun Stribling stood out at wide receiver with six catches for 66 yards, while Kurtis Rourke settled in after a rocky start before a rib injury cut his night short. Gracen Halton wreaked havoc up front, repeatedly beating blockers and finishing strong in the late drives. Jordan Watkins contributed as a returner, and Corliss Waitman delivered punting snaps with accuracy, underscoring the 49ers' promising depth even with regulars watching from the sideline.
In the 49ers’ 19-13 preseason loss to the Titans, Kurtis Rourke looked sharp in his first NFL action, going 12-of-14 for 101 yards with 14 rushing yards before leaving with a rib injury and being taken to the hospital; backup Adrian Martinez also dressed. Rookie De’Zhaun Stribling stood out in his debut with multiple receptions and solid yardage, highlighting his potential as an immediate impact player. The game served as a showcase for unproven depth players while San Francisco rested most of its stars.