Demarcus

Robinson

The high-ankle injury will now cost the veteran receiver a minimum of four games, thinning an already reeling group of pass-catchers in San Francisco. Jacob Cowing is technically the next man up, although the offense appears more likely to concentrate on the remaining veterans.

This was the expected outcome for Week 3. Reports on Robinson’s injury indicate this could be a multi-week issue. With WR1 Mike Evans (hip) questionable, WR Deebo Samuel and TE George Kittle could take on sizable workloads, though the team will likely still try to limit Kittle’s snap count.

Robinson suffered an ankle injury in the 49ers’ Week 2 win over the Dolphins. The initial diagnosis was that the veteran would miss some time and his DNP designation Wednesday indicates just that. With Mike Evans (hip) also not practicing, the 49ers’ receiving corps is getting thinner than it already was.

Robinson suffered a severe ankle sprain in Sunday’s win against the Dolphins and could miss significant time. Cowing ran seven pass routes after Robinson’s exit from the game — the most among all Niners receivers besides Deebo Samuel and Mike Evans. Cowing was not targeted against Miami. If he gets a bump on snaps and routes this week against the Cardinals, Cowing would be nothing more than a deep league flex play who would likely be a boom-bust option.

Although Robinson will apparently undergo more testing, the “initial diagnosis” aspect seems like a formality at this point. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he is “sure” the team will have to sign a wide receiver, “whether it’s a practice squad or to the roster.” For those curious, Shanahan was asked whether there was any chance of bringing back WR Brandon Aiyuk. Per Wagoner, Shanahan responded simply, “No.” That’s that. Expect Robinson to miss time, likely increasing WR Deebo Samuel’s involvement. No. 1 WR Mike Evans suffered a hip injury, though Shanahan did not seem to think it was serious.

Robinson had three catches for 34 yards early on in this one, but appeared to hurt his ankle on a 19-yard catch in the second quarter. He tumbled down at the three-yard line and was unable to get up and get into the end zone. After he was touched down, he limped off the field and was taken into the locker room on a cart. He’s been listed as questionable to return.

According to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, the 49ers are “hopeful he can return this season,” which is a tad confusing, given the 10-week return timeline. Regardless, 10 weeks, plus a little wiggle room, should allow Stribling to return late in the regular season, potentially in time to help fantasy managers make a playoff push. That said, he should probably only be kept on managed re-draft rosters with an injured reserve spot. Veteran WR Demarcus Robinson filled in for Stribling last week and may be FLEX-viable moving forward.

He expects Deebo Samuel’s snap count to rise as well, but says “perhaps Robinson’s will rise more.” Barrows also notes that Robinson seems to have a good rapport with Brock Purdy, and that Robinson’s late-game stretch with a Purdy that was “back and feeling like himself late in the season” was likely no coincidence. Robinson is definitely a FLEX possibility this week in deeper leagues or if you’ve missed your desired boat on the waiver wire.

Robinson snagged one of three touchdown passes from Brock Purdy, with his being the longest connection on a 39-yard strike. The 31-year-old had just one other catch, and while he’s still capable of making a deep play or two, it’s hard to trust him as a fantasy option. He’ll have a chance to prove the doubters wrong again in Week 2 against the Dolphins.

Robinson came on as a depth piece late in the year (after a brief DUI suspension) as he played over Kendrick Bourne and shined in the NFC Wild Card game to the tune of a 6/111/1 receiving line against the Eagles. He’s under contract with the 49ers for 2026 but should only be a depth piece unless several rehab assignments go long – which, given that it’s the 49ers, perhaps we shouldn’t pretend that won’t be the case.