​San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (15) catches a pass against Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Tony Jefferson (23) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
INGLEWOOD – An aging San Francisco 49ers roster, star-studded for years, has needed new talent. Early signs of a promising draft class were easy to spot in Thursday night’s 41-17 preseason win against the Chargers. Wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling was a sight for eyes that grew sore looking at Danny Gray and Ronnie Bell. Running back Kaelon Black, the third 49ers draft pick at the position in three years, flashed what could finally pass as Christian McCaffrey backup material. About time.Get used to the last name Stribling. Or third-and-De’Zhaun. “The Flyin’ Hawaiian” is Mac Jones’ not-so-original nickname for the rookie wide receiver. Whatever you want to call him, 49ers quarterbacks could not stop throwing to No. 15 on third down, the money down.Stribling finished with four catches for 46 yards, two of which converted a third down and another that went for 11 yards to set up a manageable third-and-short.Sometimes the 49ers did not need a third down, thanks to Black, a compact 5-foot-10, 208-pound back with the apparent power and verticality that once made Jordan Mason the most successful McCaffrey sidekick. Black had back-to-back runs of eight and nine yards, moving the sticks on his own, and advancing the offense into Chargers territory. The surprise third-round draft pick recorded a respectable 33 yards on eight carries in his preseason debut.All told, Stribling should’ve had a touchdown. He created a ton of separation for an over-the-shoulder fade pass from Jones but his helmet got in the way. Black could’ve benefited from improved offensive-line play. Carver Willis, also a rookie who played tackle in college, was installed at left guard with Connor Colby, a 2025 seventh-round draft pick who fumbled his headstart in the left guard competition, at right guard.All-Pro wideout Mike Evans (quad tightness) was one of several starters who did not suit up Thursday, along with McCaffrey (unspecified tightness). Evans is 32 years old and coming off a campaign without 1,000 receiving yards, for the first time in his 12-year career, due to injuries. McCaffrey, 30, just set a new record for single-season touches (450 including playoffs) last season. Games this time of year don’t count, until your team is in the middle of November with an injury report that spills onto the second page.The upside of guys such as Stribling and Black, particularly at positions anchored by older players, could leave a closing window slightly ajar.He can stay: The return game could make or break whether a player makes this 49ers team. Skyy Moore brilliantly handled kickoffs and punts last season but left in free agency. General manager John Lynch basically introduced