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49ers game today coverage comes with a major injury update as San Francisco prepares to face the Atlanta Falcons. The 49ers have ruled out several important players, including wide receiver Mike Evans, defensive end Nick Bosa and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.
The game is scheduled for Sunday, with San Francisco entering the matchup under significant pressure. The team is already dealing with a crowded injury report, and coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that the 49ers could have fewer than the maximum 48 players available on the game-day roster.
49ers Game Today Brings a Critical Injury Challenge
Evans will miss the game while dealing with Achilles tendinitis, while Bosa remains sidelined because of a calf injury. Samuel has been ruled out with a hamstring problem. The trio represents a significant loss on both sides of the ball, especially with the 49ers approaching their Week 8 bye.
Evans had been listed as a major part of San Francisco’s passing attack, but his Achilles issue worsened before halftime of the team’s previous game against the Washington Commanders. He did not return to that contest and was unable to practice during the week.
Bosa has been unavailable since suffering his calf injury before Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. The star pass-rusher had expressed optimism about returning soon, but soreness following a workout forced the team to slow his recovery process.
Explosive Receiver Shortage Creates New Pressure
The 49ers’ receiver room has been hit particularly hard. In addition to Evans and Samuel, San Francisco is without Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling and Demarcus Robinson because of injuries. That leaves the team searching for reliable options against Atlanta’s defense.
The biggest potential boost could come from Christian Kirk, who is expected to return after spending the season on injured reserve. Kirk suffered a calf injury during the opening days of training camp in July, but he returned to practice last week and has made progress.
Although Kirk is officially listed as questionable, Shanahan indicated that the designation is largely procedural and that Kirk is expected to play. The veteran receiver said he has treated every practice rep like a game situation while preparing for his return.
“Thankfully for me, I’ve played enough ball, I’ve played a lot of football and have got a lot of experience,” Kirk said, according to ESPN. His return would give quarterback support and provide San Francisco with an experienced target at a difficult moment.
Nick Bosa’s Absence Tests the Defensive Front
Without Bosa, the 49ers will rely on a group that includes Mykel Williams, Romello Height, Keion White and Khalid Kareem along the edge. The team could also consider bringing back Ogbo Okoronkwo through the practice squad, depending on its roster needs.
San Francisco released Okoronkwo on Friday while creating a roster spot for Kirk. However, the team still has concerns at receiver, linebacker and defensive end. Shanahan said the number of injuries has forced internal discussions about players potentially lining up outside their usual positions.
“I don’t think ever in my career [has that happened],” Shanahan said of the unusual roster situation. “It’s a unique situation.”
What the 49ers’ Injury Report Means Against Atlanta
- Mike Evans: Out with Achilles tendinitis.
- Nick Bosa: Out with a calf injury.
- Deebo Samuel Sr.: Out with a hamstring injury.
- Christian Kirk: Expected to return from injured reserve.
- Upton Stout and Siran Neal: Questionable after returning to practice Friday.
San Francisco’s defense has been playing well, but Bosa’s absence removes one of its most disruptive pass-rushing threats. On offense, the team must find ways to create explosive plays despite losing multiple receivers.
The upcoming bye week should give Evans, Bosa and other injured players additional recovery time. For now, however, the 49ers must navigate one of their most depleted rosters of the season against Atlanta.
49ers Game Today FAQs
Are Mike Evans and Nick Bosa playing today?
No. Mike Evans and Nick Bosa have both been ruled out for San Francisco’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Why is Deebo Samuel out?
Deebo Samuel Sr. is sidelined with a hamstring injury and will not play against Atlanta.
Will Christian Kirk return for the 49ers?
Christian Kirk is listed as questionable, but Kyle Shanahan indicated that Kirk is expected to return after spending the season on injured reserve.
How many players could the 49ers have available?
Shanahan said San Francisco could enter the game with fewer than the maximum 48 players on its game-day roster after additional practice squad elevations.
