49ers may field fewer than 48 players against Falcons

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 03:32 · Archive

The San Francisco 49ers could have fewer than 48 players available for their game against the Atlanta Falcons due to an unprecedented injury wave.

The San Francisco 49ers face an unprecedented injury crisis ahead of their game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Coach Kyle Shanahan ruled out multiple key players including leading receiver Mike Evans, who is dealing with Achilles tendinitis. Evans, who has 420 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season, left Monday night's game at halftime after aggravating the injury despite also dealing with broken ribs.

The injury list is extensive. Defensive end Nick Bosa is sidelined with a calf injury. Receivers Deebo Samuel, Ricky Pearsall, De'Zhaun Stribling and Demarcus Robinson are also unavailable. Safety Marques Sigle and linebackers Garret Wallow and Luke Gifford are ruled out. In total, Shanahan said the 49ers may not reach the maximum 48 players permitted on a game-day roster—something he said has never happened in his coaching career.

The team will rely on quarterback Brock Purdy, who leads the NFL in passing rating, to throw to tight end George Kittle, running back Christian McCaffrey and a makeshift receiving group. Veteran receiver Christian Kirk is expected to make his season debut after recovering from a calf injury sustained during training camp, providing some relief to the depleted receiver corps.

How it is being reported

• 49ers may have fewer than 48 players available against Falcons amid injury wave, coach Kyle Shanahan saysChristian Kirk is set to return from injured reserve as the 49ers rule out Mike Evans, Nick Bosa and Deebo Samuel ahead of the Falcons game.Fox News · 25 Oct, 03:10
• Mike Evans out vs. Falcons — but another 49ers’ debut will aid beleaguered receiversThe 49ers' leading receiver was ruled out, but another wideout is expected to make his season debut against the Falcons.New York Post · 23 Oct, 22:44

In this story: San Francisco 49ers · Atlanta Falcons · Mike Evans · Kyle Shanahan · Christian Kirk · Brock Purdy · Nick Bosa

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem