San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and General Manager John Lynch - Stan Szeto/Imagn Images via Reuters
The San Francisco 49ers will take on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7 of the NFL Season. In their final game before the bye week, the 49ers received positive news, as two valuable players could return to the lineup.
49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk entered the season on the Injured Reserve list, but returned to practice. In addition to Kirk, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa could return to practice this week and possibly play against Atlanta.
Christian Kirk Provides Key Help
In March, the 49ers signed Kirk to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million. He joined as talented depth to the wide receiver room. Unfortunately, he sustained a calf strain during training camp. After being placed on Injured Reserve, Kirk had to miss a minimum of four games to start the season.
There was a chance that Kirk could play against the Commanders during Monday Night Football in Week 6, but he was not ready. Now, Kirk could make his season debut.
“Yeah, he’s a possibility for next week. He has two good practices in. It was just his first two practices of the year. We were down on wideouts, so it’s still something we discussed, but we decided to give him another week,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said.
After practicing on Wednesday ahead of the team’s Week 7 matchup against the Falcons, there is a chance Kirk could join that team at a much-needed time.
The 49ers wide receiver room is slim. Against the Commanders, 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans exited the game with an Achilles injury. Now, Evans is dealing with both a rib and achilles injury, putting his status up in the air. In addition to Evans, wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Demarcus Robinson are both expected to be out until after the bye week, with Robinson on the Injured Reserve.
Kirk is a veteran receiver who has experience as a starter. His return is critical for the 49ers offense.
Nick Bosa’s Possible Return
Shanahan also revealed that Bosa could return to practice on Thursday ahead of the team’s Week 7 game. Bosa has been dealing with a calf injury and has not played since the team’s Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
While his status is up in the air, Bosa’s return would be an immense boost to the 49ers defense, which has been playing well despite the injuries. The team has 15 sacks this season, and getting Bosa back will make the defensive line even stronger. Through two games, Bosa recorded seven total tackles.
The 49ers will face the Falcons, who have been starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Penix’s ability to be mobile will be a threat against the 49ers’ defense. Adding Bosa on the edge could put immense pressure on Penix.
Recently, defensive end Mykel Williams returned to the team after sustaining a torn ACL in the 2025 season. Through two games, Williams has recorded five total tackles and one sack. With defensive end Keion White playing strong as well, San Francisco’s defensive line could be a difference maker against the Falcons, helping the 49ers enter the bye week undefeated.
Dre Greenlaw’s Return from Suspension
Although he was not out with an injury, 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw will also return against the Falcons.
Greenlaw was ejected in the matchup against the Seahawks in the first half. Greenlaw head-butted Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was not wearing a helmet. After the ejection, it was announced that Greenlaw would be suspended for one game, missing the matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Greenlaw’s presence will be felt against Atlanta, as the 49ers will play against Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson is averaging 106.8 yards per game and will be a key player to watch. Greenlaw, paired with linebacker Fred Warner, will play an important role in preventing the talented running back from gaining momentum.
