49ers’ Rookie De’zhaun Stribling To Miss ‘at Least A Month’ With Deltoid Sprain In Ankle

When San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling suffered an injury in Week 1 against the Rams, it seemed like we were headed for the dreaded worst-case scenario, as it was a non-contact injury.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Stribling’s Achilles was still intact, which was great news. After Stribling needed further testing, Ian Rapoport tweeted that he is out at least a month with a deltoid sprain in his ankle. According to Rapoport, Stribling is still seeking additional opinions.

There is no current plan for surgery, but it’s not ruled out. San Francisco will be cautious with Stribling.

Here’s more information about the deltoid ligament from a clinic:

The deltoid or medial ligament is an important part of your ankle’s structure. It connects and holds together several bones in your foot and ankle.

This ligament helps prevent you from over-rotating your foot or rolling your ankle inward. It acts as a counterbalance to the lateral ligaments on the outside of your ankle.

It’s known as an uncommon type of sprain:

Deltoid ligament sprains are an uncommon type of ankle sprain. A strain or tear of the deltoid ligament results from rolling your ankle inward (pronation).

The medial ligament is stronger than the lateral ligaments. This strength makes it less likely to strain or tear. Deltoid or medial ligament sprains account for only about 15% of ankle sprains.

Most injuries to the deltoid ligament result from a direct impact to your ankle. An ankle fracture (broken bone) on the outside of your ankle is the most common cause of a deltoid ligament sprain.

Like any injury, the time missed depends on whether it’s a Grade 1, 2, or 3. A Grade 1 is a mild sprain that’ll sideline athletes for 1 to 3 weeks. A Grade 2 generally results in a walking boot or brace for a few weeks, and you cannot begin running until 6 to 8 weeks. If there’s a complete rupture, that’s when surgery is needed because there is associated bone damage, and you’ll be out for three months or longer. That’s considered a Grade 3.

The 49ers are probably bracing for a Grade 2 injury.

Stribling played the most snaps of any wide receiver on the roster before he left early with his injury. He was and still will be a big part of the 49ers’ offense. Hopefully, Stribling can return soon enough and make an impact for the Niners as a rookie.