The 49ers won comfortably against the Dolphins on Sunday, but the afternoon still came with a fresh hit to the receiver room. Demarcus Robinson exited with what Kyle Shanahan said was a high ankle sprain, adding another name to a group that has already taken on too much damage.
San Francisco is not dealing with a season-ending blow here, but the wider issue is hard to ignore. Ricky Pearsall is already out for the year, and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 that will keep him sidelined for most of the season. That leaves the Niners staring at a depth chart that gets a lot less appealing once you get past Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel.
At this point, the front office has to at least consider outside help. There are a few trade candidates who fit the bill, and one familiar name worth watching is Calvin Ridley.
The Tennessee Titans wideout would give San Francisco an experienced target, and Robert Saleh’s presence as head coach makes the connection even more interesting. Ridley has had big seasons before, including years in 2023 and 2024 when he topped 1,000 receiving yards.
He missed most of last season because of injury, but at 31, he still profiles as a receiver who could step in and contribute right away. Tennessee is in a full rebuild, and with Ridley under contract next season too, he could make sense as a veteran piece they’re willing to move.
Another option is Terry McLaurin. The Washington Commanders are 0-2, and if the season keeps slipping away, they could become sellers.
Adam Peters still runs the show there after spending many years in San Francisco’s front office, which gives this possibility a natural connection. McLaurin has been one of the most reliable receivers in the league throughout his career, and at 31 he could bring the 49ers a steady multi-year answer if they decide to make a move.
Then there’s the biggest swing of the three: Nico Collins. The Houston Texans are also 0-2, and if DeMeco Ryans and the front office decide the team isn’t built to contend this year, Collins could at least enter the conversation.
He would be the priciest target of the group, and that’s because he has been playing at a top-tier level over the last few seasons. His contract is substantial, but San Francisco is operating in win-now mode and could be in a position to absorb it if the right opportunity comes along.
The 49ers have shown before that they’re willing to make a splash when the situation calls for it. In 2019, they landed Emmanuel Sanders, and this receiver crisis may be the kind of moment that pushes them toward a similar move.
In Other News...
49ers Rookies Gave Kyle Shanahan A Reason To Feel Better Fast
The 49ers got an encouraging look from their rookie class in the win over Miami, and it came in a game where San Francisco needed some younger players to help steady the depth chart. Romello Height and Gracen Halton both started on defense and were active right away, with Height turning in a sack and Halton adding tackles, including one for loss, while Kaelon Black chipped in on offense with 25 yards on seven carries.
It was the kind of outing that can make Kyle Shanahan and his staff feel better about the groups early progress, especially with other rookies like Jaden Dugger and James Thompson Jr. also getting on the field. Thompsons departure because of injury was the one sour note, but the broader takeaway was clear: the 49ers got useful snaps and real production from first-year players in a game they controlled. [Read more 🡒]
49ers Rolled Again But One Home Opener Concern Wont Go Away
The 49ers kept rolling at Levis Stadium with a convincing 35-13 win over the Dolphins, and Brock Purdy again looked fully in command of the offense. He completed 20 of 22 passes for 287 yards with two touchdowns and a 149.1 passer rating, while the supporting cast around him continued to look deep and dangerous. George Kittle, Mike Evans and Christian McCaffrey all had key roles in a game that pushed San Francisco to 2-0 and reinforced why this group has looked so sharp right out of the gate.
Still, even a dominant home opener does not erase every concern, and the one lingering issue around this team remains impossible to ignore after another strong showing. The 49ers are getting the kind of efficient quarterback play and playmaking they wanted, but the bigger question is whether everything holding this start together can stay intact as the schedule tightens and the season moves forward. [Read more 🡒]
Nick Bosa Just Gave The 49ers Defense A New Question
Nick Bosas return in the 49ers win over the Dolphins was the kind of development San Francisco had been waiting to see in a real game, not just on a practice field. In his first home appearance since recovering from an ACL injury, Bosa was active in the moments that matter most for this defense, showing up on tackles, helping stuff the run and getting a quarterback hit as the 49ers rolled to a 35-13 victory.
The bigger issue now is less about whether Bosa is back and more about what his presence does to everything around him. San Franciscos defense finished with four sacks and tightened against the run in the second half, which is the sort of complementary performance that can change the feel of a game fast. With Bosa reinserted into the front, the 49ers have to figure out just how disruptive this group can become once it settles in. [Read more 🡒]