San Francisco 49ers face roster strain with 13 players on injured reserve
The 49ers enter Week 2 with a significant injury crisis, as rookie De'Zhaun Stribling is set to join the injured reserve list following surgery.
The San Francisco 49ers are entering Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season with at least 13 players on the injured reserve (IR) list, a significant strain on the squad’s depth. According to a report by Yahoo Sports, the roster is set to swell further as rookie second-round pick De'Zhaun Stribling is expected to be placed on IR following an ankle injury sustained in Week 1.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has projected a 10-week recovery timeline for Stribling, who requires surgery. While the team had not officially placed him on the list at the time of reporting, the roster move is anticipated to be finalised on Saturday. This addition would bring the total number of players on IR to 14, highlighting the early-season challenges facing the franchise.
Beyond the IR list, the 49ers are managing roster spots for players on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Running back Isaac Guerendo and defensive end Mykel Williams are currently on PUP and are eligible to return to active duty after Week 4. This four-week timeline is standard for players on IR who are designated as eligible for return.
Wide receiver Christian Kirk represents a key return for the team. Kirk, who missed virtually all of training camp with a calf injury, was designated for return from IR at final cuts. This designation ensures he counts against the team’s eight allotted IR returns per season. While his exact return date remains unclear, he is eligible to rejoin the active roster after Week 4.
Other players on the IR list face varying prospects for the remainder of the year. Defensive lineman Alfred Collins suffered a torn patellar tendon in the week leading up to Week 1, ending his season. Similarly, safety Darrick Forrest and defensive lineman Mikail Kamara are out for the year due to injuries sustained in May and July, respectively.
The status of cornerback Nate Hobbs remains a strategic decision for the coaching staff. Placed on IR after final cuts, Hobbs is effectively being redshirted to retain his option to activate him if needed. Linebacker Nick Martin and defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu are also on the list, with Martin’s return uncertain due to a lack of a defined role, while Okuayinonu is expected to return from a foot injury sustained before the team’s trip to Australia.
