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The 49ers schedule has delivered another important NFC West test, and San Francisco will enter its Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals without several key contributors. The team finalized its inactive list Sunday ahead of the contest at Levi’s Stadium, confirming that defensive linemen Nick Bosa and Romello Height will not play.
There was positive news for the offense, however. Wide receiver Mike Evans, the only 49ers player listed as questionable on the final injury report, is active and available against Arizona. His presence gives quarterback Brock Purdy another experienced target in a game with significant early-season divisional importance.
49ers Schedule Faces a Critical Week 3 Test
With game-day rosters limited to 48 active players, San Francisco had to rule out seven players for Sunday’s NFC West matchup. The team entered the weekend with four players already listed as out on Friday’s final injury report.
- James Thompson Jr., ankle
- Ephesians Prysock
- Tatum Bethune
- Romello Height, hand
- Nick Bosa, calf
- Enrique Cruz Jr.
- Kurtis Rourke
Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson is also unavailable after being ruled out with an ankle injury. Although Robinson does not appear in the finalized inactive list provided in the team update, his absence remains part of San Francisco’s Week 3 injury situation.
Nick Bosa Ruled Out After Calf Injury
Bosa’s absence is the most significant development for the 49ers defense. The star defensive lineman sustained a calf injury during his individual warmup ahead of Thursday’s practice. He was subsequently ruled out and will miss the matchup with Arizona.
The timing creates an immediate challenge for San Francisco’s defensive front. Bosa is one of the team’s most influential pass rushers, and his ability to pressure the quarterback often shapes the game plan for opposing offenses. Without him, the 49ers will rely more heavily on their available defensive-line depth and coordinated pressure packages.
Height is also sidelined after undergoing hand surgery earlier in the week. The team will need other linemen to absorb additional snaps while maintaining discipline against the Cardinals’ offensive attack.
James Thompson Jr. Also Misses the Cardinals Game
Thompson Jr. will not play after suffering an ankle injury during San Francisco’s Week 2 victory over the Miami Dolphins. His absence further reduces the team’s options along the defensive line, making communication and rotation management especially important throughout the afternoon.
The 49ers opened the 2026 season with a win over the Los Angeles Rams in Australia and followed that performance with a convincing victory over Miami. The latest update means the club will attempt to continue that early momentum while managing a growing list of unavailable players.
Mike Evans Available to Brock Purdy
Evans being active is a major boost for San Francisco’s passing game. The veteran receiver was listed with a hip issue but cleared the final pregame process and is expected to be available for the Cardinals matchup.
Evans has already shown chemistry with Purdy during the young season. His size, route-running experience and red-zone ability add another layer to an offense that also features Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel Sr. Keeping Evans on the field gives San Francisco more flexibility in personnel groupings and coverage matchups.
The 49ers offense will now look to take advantage of a full group of key skill-position players, even as the defense handles the loss of Bosa, Height and Thompson Jr. The balance between offensive production and defensive depth could become one of the defining storylines of Week 3.
What the Inactives Mean for San Francisco
Sunday’s inactive list highlights the physical demands of the early portion of the 49ers schedule. San Francisco has already navigated international travel, a home opener and two demanding matchups. Injuries to front-seven players can quickly test a roster, particularly against a divisional opponent familiar with the team’s defensive tendencies.
The Cardinals matchup also offers an opportunity for younger players and reserve contributors to make an impact. San Francisco’s defensive backups will be asked to play with urgency, while the coaching staff may adjust its rotation to keep the pass rush effective late in the game.
For fans following the 49ers schedule, the biggest confirmed update is straightforward: Bosa and Height are out, Evans is active, and San Francisco will face Arizona with limited depth on defense. The result could influence the team’s early NFC West position and provide a useful measure of its roster resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nick Bosa playing against the Cardinals?
No. Nick Bosa is inactive for the Week 3 matchup after suffering a calf injury during his individual warmup ahead of Thursday’s practice.
Is Mike Evans active for the 49ers?
Yes. Mike Evans is active against Arizona after being listed as questionable with a hip issue.
Why is Romello Height inactive?
Romello Height is unavailable after undergoing hand surgery earlier in the week.
Which other 49ers players are inactive?
James Thompson Jr., Ephesians Prysock, Tatum Bethune, Enrique Cruz Jr. and Kurtis Rourke are also inactive. Demarcus Robinson was ruled out with an ankle injury.
