Ricky Pearsall

Barrows believes San Francisco’s plan is for Stribling to serve as its primary slot receiver while also backing up Mike Evans at the X position.

Christian Kirk will begin the season on injured reserve with a calf injury, while Ricky Pearsall has already been ruled out for the year. Stribling is expected to be available for Week 1 after missing the preseason finale with a minor shoulder injury.

Related Players: Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing, George Kittle

A primary slot role would provide Stribling with a cleaner path to immediate targets than San Francisco’s crowded receiver depth chart initially suggested. Samuel’s presence still creates uncertainty regarding personnel packages and manufactured touches, but Stribling appears positioned to play meaningful snaps immediately.