49ers’ Mac Jones has insanely high praise for rookie WR amid Ricky Pearsall injury

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling returned to practice Thursday after missing time with hamstring tightness, providing a positive development for a team dealing with multiple injuries. Although Stribling did not participate in team drills during his first day back, his return in a limited role suggests he could be back to full participation soon.

Quarterback Mac Jones showered the undrafted rookie with praise, crediting Stribling’s blazing speed for turning him into one of training camp’s biggest surprises:

“I call him The Flyin’ Hawaiian because he’s so fast. … The way he got to the ball in the air was impressive. He has a second gear.”

Before the hamstring issue, Stribling had consistently impressed throughout training camp with dependable hands and solid performances during practice. His progress has become even more important after Ricky Pearsall was ruled out for the entire 2026 season. Pearsall is scheduled to undergo surgery to repair damage related to last year’s PCL injury.

San Francisco has also dealt with several other injuries at wide receiver, with Mike Evans unavailable due to a quad strain, Christian Kirk recovering from a calf strain, and Jacob Cowing working back from a hip flexor injury. The team remains optimistic that those injuries, aside from Pearsall’s, are not expected to be long-term.

Stribling is currently part of a deep 49ers receiving group that includes Evans, Kirk, Deebo Samuel, KhaDarel Hodge, Demarcus Robinson, Cowing, Jordan Watkins, Malik Turner, Will Pauling, Trenton Irwin, Wesley Grimes and Junior Bergen.

Meanwhile, defensive end Sam Okuayinonu also returned to practice Thursday after leaving Wednesday’s session because of an ankle injury scare.

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