What exactly does this mean? It probably means that Stribling is a clear-cut starter in three-wide receiver sets, but Barrows did not expand on the matter. Barrows recently reported that WR Deebo Samuel will take over “a portion” of the Z-receiver role, while also contributing as a “wide back.” The remaining portion of the Z-receiver role in two-wide receiver sets could end up going to Stribling. He’s certainly made a strong case with his preseason play, but coach Kyle Shahanah is sometimes hesitant to feature rookies right away. Regardless, Stribling can be viewed as a FLEX starter with easy WR3 upside in the season opener.