Demarcus Robinson is suspended for three games by the NFL for a substance-abuse policy violation, forcing the 49ers to navigate a rough start without him against Seattle, New Orleans and Arizona. The ban follows a misdemeanor DUI plea; Robinson did not overturn the ruling on appeal. San Francisco can hold his roster spot until after Week 3.

The 49ers’ receiver room was already stretched after Deebo Samuel’s offseason move and Brandon Aiyuk’s knee injury, so Robinson’s absence compounds the challenge. Robinson produced 31 catches for 505 yards and seven touchdowns with the Rams last year, but SF will rely on Jennings, Watkins and Cowing to step up as Jennings eyes a new deal and Watkins and Cowing deal with injuries.