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Christian Kirk’s practice window creates unforeseen 49ers position battle

No one could've predicted that the 49ers' wide receiver room would come down to this after just five weeks.

Published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 9:04 PM
Christian Kirk’s practice window creates unforeseen 49ers position battle
Key Things to Know
  • The 49ers opened Christian Kirk's 21-day practice window, setting up an unexpected battle for the second receiver role.
  • Kirk has been sidelined since injuring his calf on the first day of training camp.
  • Injuries have sidelined Ricky Pearsall, De'Zhaun Stribling, and Deebo Samuel, leaving quarterback Brock Purdy with depleted pass-catching options.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The San Francisco 49ers opened the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Christian Kirk, who has been sidelined with a calf injury suffered on the first day of training camp. Kirk signed a one-year, $3 million contract during the offseason and now has three weeks to prove his health.

Niner Noise's Zane Gelphman argues that Kirk's potential return creates an unexpected battle for the second wide receiver spot alongside Mike Evans. Multiple injuries to Ricky Pearsall, De'Zhaun Stribling, and Deebo Samuel have thinned the position, leaving Kirk and Brandin Cooks as candidates.

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