49ers Facing Significant Roster Shortage Due to Injuries Ahead of Falcons Game
Coach Kyle Shanahan indicates the team may not have enough players for a full game-day roster, with several key players ruled out.
The San Francisco 49ers are grappling with an extensive injury list that could leave them with fewer than the maximum 48 players available for their upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that multiple key players, including receiver Mike Evans, defensive end Nick Bosa, and receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., have been ruled out.
Evans is sidelined with a sore Achilles, while Bosa is dealing with a calf injury. The team's receiving corps is particularly depleted, with Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Demarcus Robinson also unable to play. San Francisco has also ruled out safety Marques Sigle and linebackers Garret Wallow and Luke Gifford for Week 7.
Shanahan acknowledged the unprecedented situation, stating that he doesn't believe he has ever encountered such a scenario in his coaching career. He indicated that even with potential elevations from the practice squad, the team might struggle to reach the full 48-player game-day roster limit. Consequently, the 49ers have begun considering plans to have players operate outside their usual positions.
Amidst the injury woes, there is a glimmer of positive news as veteran receiver Christian Kirk is expected to make his season debut. Kirk is set to return from injured reserve, providing a much-needed boost to the receiving unit.
Nick Bosa, who has been sidelined since Week 2, had previously expressed optimism about a return around Week 5 or 6. However, Shanahan noted that Bosa's assessment might have been overly optimistic, as the defensive end experienced soreness after a workout. The team opted to keep him out of practice to allow for additional recovery time, especially with the upcoming game being played on turf.
The 49ers will head into their bye week following the Sunday matchup with the Falcons.