49ers expect Christian Kirk to play against Falcons with Evans and Samuel out

The San Francisco 49ers ruled out receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr. on Friday, October 23, for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Christian Kirk, who has yet to play for San Francisco this season, is listed as questionable, but coach Kyle Shanahan said he is set to play, ESPN reported. His expected return would give the injury-hit receiving group another option in Atlanta.

Evans has Achilles tendinitis and did not practice this week, while Samuel is out with a hamstring injury. ESPN reported that Evans’ symptoms flared during the 49ers’ game against Washington and he did not return. San Francisco has a bye after the Falcons game, giving Evans additional time to recover.

Christian Kirk’s expected return from injured reserve

The 49ers released defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo on Friday, opening a roster spot for Kirk’s expected activation. Shanahan described Kirk’s questionable listing as procedural, ESPN reported. Kirk told ESPN he felt good after returning to practice the previous week and was excited about the chance to return. His activation and appearance in Sunday’s game remained pending.

How injuries have thinned the 49ers’ roster

The shortage extends beyond Evans and Samuel. ESPN reported that receivers Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling and Demarcus Robinson were also unavailable with injuries. SFGate identified Brandin Cooks, Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing as the three healthy receivers on the active roster before any move involving Kirk, with a practice squad call-up also possible.

San Francisco also ruled out defensive end Nick Bosa, linebackers Luke Gifford and Garret Wallow, and safety Marques Sigle. Shanahan said the team was likely to have fewer than the maximum 48 players available on game day even after Saturday’s practice squad elevations. ‘It’s a unique situation,’ he said, according to ESPN.