Massive injury list for San Francisco
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan faces a serious squad shortage ahead of Sunday match against the Atlanta Falcons. Key wide receiver Mike Evans and star defensive lineman Nick Bosa have both been ruled out. Evans is struggling with Achilles tendinitis, while Bosa continues to suffer from a calf injury. Neither player trained this week.
They are not the only ones missing out. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is sidelined with a hamstring issue. Linebackers Luke Gifford and Garret Wallow, along with safety Marques Sigle, are also out. Shanahan admitted that the team might field fewer than the maximum 48 players on matchday, even after bringing up players from the practice squad on Saturday.
Receivers depleted but Christian Kirk returns
The 49ers are severely short on receivers. Ricky Pearsall, De'Zhaun Stribling, and Demarcus Robinson are all suffering from injuries alongside Samuel and Evans. The situation is so severe that Shanahan discussed with players about possibly playing out of position if needed. Shanahan noted that he has never experienced a situation like this in his coaching career.
To help fill the void, veteran receiver Christian Kirk is set to play. He was placed on injured reserve after hurting his calf in July during training camp. San Francisco released defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo to open up a roster spot for Kirk. Shanahan stated that Kirk is ready to step on the field, giving the team a much needed option in attack.
Defensive adjustments and fitness updates
Defensive end Nick Bosa has missed games since injuring his calf before Week 3 against Arizona. Bosa had been hopeful about returning, but Shanahan mentioned that Bosa felt sore after a recent workout. With Bosa out, the edge rushing duties will fall to Mykel Williams, Romello Height, Keion White, and Khalid Kareem. Okoronkwo could also sign back to the practice squad and be added for Sunday.
On a positive note, cornerback Upton Stout and safety Siran Neal returned to practice on Friday. Stout was dealing with a shoulder injury and Neal had a neck issue. Both are listed as questionable for Sunday.
Predictions for these teams
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- NFL and every other league
- NFL official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
