The San Francisco 49ers will be without wide receiver Mike Evans and defensive end Nick Bosa when they face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Evans is dealing with Achilles tendinitis, while Bosa is recovering from a calf injury. Neither player participated in practice this week, and the team also ruled out receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring), linebackers Luke Gifford (groin) and Garret Wallow (hamstring), and safety Marques Sigle (ankle).
Coach Kyle Shanahan said the number of missing players is unprecedented in his career. The 49ers may enter the game with fewer than the maximum 48 players on the game-day roster, and internal discussions have already taken place about players possibly being forced to play out of position if further injuries occur. The receiver group is especially thin, as the team is already without Ricky Pearsall, De'Zhaun Stribling and Demarcus Robinson.
One expected solution is the activation of veteran receiver Christian Kirk from injured reserve. The team released defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo to make room for him. Although listed as questionable, Shanahan said that designation is procedural and Kirk is set to play. Kirk, who has been sidelined since injuring a calf in July, said he feels good and is ready to contribute.
Evans' extra week off could help his Achilles recovery, as the injury flared up before halftime of the Monday game against the Washington Commanders. Bosa had expressed optimism about returning, but he was sore after working out, prompting the team to hold him out of practice. San Francisco has a Week 8 bye.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing