The San Francisco 49ers will be without wide receiver Demarcus Robinson to begin the new season.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Wednesday that the league has suspended him for three games.
“[Robinson] we’re not going to have for the first three weeks,” Shanahan told KNBR. “You can always appeal it so we’ll hope for the best on that, but that is what we’re planning for.”
DUI case leads to NFL punishment
The ban stems from Robinson’s November 2024 arrest in Southern California. Police said he was driving more than 100 miles per hour before being charged with misdemeanor DUI.
He pleaded no contest in July and was sentenced to three years’ probation, a fine, and court-ordered education programs.
The 30-year-old signed with San Francisco this offseason on a two-year deal worth up to $9.5 million, with $6 million guaranteed.
He now misses the chance to make an immediate impact after being one of the few offensive additions brought in ahead of the 2025 NFL campaign.
His suspension matches the punishment handed to Minnesota Vikings receiver Jordan Addison earlier this month after his own DUI case.
49ers’ receiver depth tested
The timing only worsens San Francisco’s injury-hit receiver room. Brandon Aiyuk is not expected back until Week 6, Jauan Jennings has missed camp time with a calf issue, and both Jacob Cowing and rookie Jordan Watkins remain sidelined. Ricky Pearsall has shaken off a hamstring injury but remains short on reps.
On the same day Shanahan confirmed Robinson’s suspension, the 49ers re-signed Malik Knowles to add cover.
The former Green Bay Packer spent part of the summer with the team and now returns to the roster. Depth options such as Russell Gage Jr. and Malik Turner could also see expanded roles early in the season.
Demarcus Robinson will sit out Week 1 at Seattle, Week 2 at New Orleans, and Week 3 at home against Arizona. If he accepts the suspension, he will return in Week 4 when San Francisco hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars.
For Shanahan, the challenge is clear. Injuries and suspensions have left his receiving corps threadbare. The 49ers will need fringe players to step up while they wait for reinforcements and for Robinson’s return.
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