RADIO
Brandin Cooks a Waiver Option With Expanded Receiving Opportunity
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandin Cooks is a speculative addition in 12-team leagues for managers seeking immediate receiver help, but his limited target production makes him a risky Week 7 flex option. He could see his largest workload of the season against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, with Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) ruled out, and the matchup is favorable, as Atlanta has surrendered the most receptions and fourth-most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers this season. Cooks took over Evans' outside receiver role after the veteran exited Monday's win over the Washington Commanders, playing a season-high 32 offensive snaps (52%), but he caught just one of two targets for 13 yards and has only two receptions for 20 yards and a touchdown across three games. Jordan Watkins played 47 snaps against Washington, while Christian Kirk (calf) is questionable after practicing fully throughout the week and could return.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Christian Kirk Could See Steady Work In Season Debut
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) has been on injured reserve since the preseason but is expected to be activated for the Week 7 meeting with the Atlanta Falcons. Kirk is tagged as questionable but was a full participant in every practice this week. The veteran's timing is impeccable, as the 49ers have ruled out both Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) and Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles). Kirk will be in contention with Brandin Cooks and Jordan Watkins for targets behind Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, who led the team last week when Samuel was out and Evans exited early. If Kirk wins his position battle, it could be a lucrative day as the Falcons have allowed the fourth-most PPR points to wide receivers in 2026. His unknown spot in the 49ers' pecking order caps his projection as a WR5, so he is a gamble best taken on in deep leagues.
Source: David Lombardi - San Francisco Standard
Source: David Lombardi - San Francisco Standard
Jordan Watkins Continues Climbing Depth Chart Amid WR Injuries
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins saw his snap share jump to 76% in Week 6, double that in each of his previous two games. Deebo Samuel Sr.'s (hamstring) absence and Mike Evans' (ribs, Achilles) early departure paved the way for more time on the field. That didn't translate to increased production (Watkins saw just one target, good for a 22-yard reception), but the substantial increase in playing time outdid that of Brandin Cooks and Jacob Cowing, the latter of whom actually saw his snaps decrease. In Week 7, the 49ers face the Falcons, who have given up the most receptions and seventh-most half-PPR points to wide receivers this year. Watkins will contend with Cooks and, if he is cleared to play, Christian Kirk (calf) for targets behind Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. As such, he projects as a WR5 who is best left as a deep-league dart throw for Week 7.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Brandin Cooks Could Have Greater Impact Amid WR Injuries
San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandin Cooks has not been very involved in the offense since joining the team three weeks ago, but stands to take a step forward in Week 7. In Week 6, injuries to Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) and Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) opened the door for Cooks to be on the field for more than 50% of offensive plays for the first time. Both receivers have been ruled out for Week 7, pushing Cooks up the depth chart and positioning him to soak up some of their target share. Cooks will still have to contend with Jordan Watkins and possibly Christian Kirk (calf) for looks behind George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey, making him a somewhat risky start. There is the potential for a big week, as the Falcons have given up the most receptions, fourth-most receiving yards, and seventh-most half-PPR points to wide receivers. Cooks projects as a WR4 going into Week 7. His matchup elevates his ceiling, making him a worthwhile gamble in deeper leagues.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Christian Kirk is Tagged as Questionable for Week 7
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The expectation is that Kirk will return from the Injured Reserve this weekend. He has been sidelined all season due to a calf issue. His potential return comes at a good time with the 49ers desperately needing bodies at wide receiver. Both Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) have been ruled out. Kirk could be in for a steady workload, assuming he's active this weekend. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on his status.
Source: Josh Dubow
Source: Josh Dubow
Deebo Samuel Sr. to Miss a Second Straight Game
San Francisco 49ers veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) has officially been ruled out for Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons by head coach Kyle Shanahan, according to NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco. Samuel was expected to miss multiple weeks with a hamstring strain after he injured it in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, so fantasy managers should not be surprised that the 30-year-old has been ruled out for a second straight week. With a bye coming in Week 8 for the Niners, Samuel's next chance to play will be in a Week 9 matchup at home against the Las Vegas Raiders. By then, the team's receiver room could look a lot different, potentially limiting Samuel's fantasy ceiling if he is even ready to return by then. The 49ers might not have brought Samuel back in 2026 if not for all of their WR injuries early on. Before his hamstring injury in Week 5, Samuel saw plenty of opportunities, catching 16 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns in five games, adding nine carries for 78 yards on the ground. With Mike Evans (Achilles, rib) also out against Atlanta, the 49ers could be down to Christian Kirk (calf), Brandin Cooks, Jacob Cowing, and Jordan Watkins at the position.
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
Mike Evans Officially Ruled Out in Week 7
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Friday that wide receiver Mike Evans (Achilles, rib) has been ruled out for the Week 7 contest on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. Evans went into the Monday night win over the Washington Commanders as questionable with Achilles soreness and a couple of broken ribs, but he played through the ailments, only to aggravate his Achilles injury. The 33-year-old future Hall of Famer unsurprisingly did not practice at all this week and will now try to return in Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders after the team's bye in Week 8. Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) is missing a second straight game as well, so San Francisco's issues at WR continue to get progressively worse each week. If Christian Kirk (calf) does not return from Injured Reserve this weekend, the Niners will be down to Brandin Cooks, Jacob Cowing, and Jordan Watkins. Tight end George Kittle should be in for a heavy workload this Sunday in Atlanta. Evans, who had 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his NFL career, has been banged up all year but has been productive with 27 catches for 420 yards and three touchdowns in his first six games in the Bay Area.
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
Mike Evans Not Seen at Practice on Friday, Not Expected to Play in Week 7?
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (Achilles, ribs) was not participating during the open portion of his team's practice on Friday, per David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Lombardi writes that he does "not expect to see" Evans on the field in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran wide receiver has been battling an Achilles injury and was forced to exit early from San Francisco's Week 6 win over the Washington Commanders due to the issue. He was also playing through a pre-existing rib ailment while dealing with the Achilles issue. The 49ers have their bye in Week 8, so it could make sense for the team to give Evans two full weeks off rather than pushing him back out onto the field in Week 7. If Evans is inactive against Atlanta, 49ers wideouts Christian Kirk (calf), Brandin Cooks, and Jordan Watkins could all see expanded roles.
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
Deebo Samuel Sr. Not Seen at Thursday's Practice
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) was not seen in the early open portion of practice on Thursday, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Samuel did not practice last week or play in the team's Week 6 win over the Washington Commanders on Monday night after he tweaked his hamstring in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. With two straight missed practices to begin this week, it is looking like he will miss a second straight game as the Niners head into their Week 8 bye. The next time that fantasy managers will have Samuel available might not be until Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Additionally, the 49ers could be without veteran Mike Evans (Achilles, rib), who also has not practiced this week after aggravating his sore Achilles on Monday night. The 30-year-old Samuel had become a key weapon on offense given all the WR injuries for the team, and he had 16 catches on 20 targets for 206 yards and three touchdowns in five games in his return to the Bay Area. Fantasy managers should be preparing to be without the veteran pass-catcher for another week.
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
Mike Evans Not Seen at Practice on Thursday
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (Achilles) was not participating during the open portion of the team's practice on Thursday, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Evans is battling a lingering Achilles issue that forced him to exit early from San Francisco's Week 6 win over the Washington Commanders. The veteran wide receiver has also dealt with a rib injury this season that may still be affecting him. Evans has been highly productive when healthy in 2026, recording 27 catches for 420 yards and three touchdowns on 39 targets across six games. However, he's frequently missed practices and has left several games early due to injury. With the 49ers' bye week coming up in Week 8 following their Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, the team could opt to give Evans an extended rest. If Evans is indeed inactive against Atlanta, 49ers wideouts Brandin Cooks, Christian Kirk (calf), and Jordan Watkins could all see expanded roles.
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
Christian Kirk Practicing in Full Ahead of Week 7
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, according to Josh Dubow of The Associated Press. Kirk was close to coming off Injured Reserve to play in the Monday night win over the visiting Washington Commanders, but the Niners held him out for one more game. Now that Kirk is practicing in full, barring a setback on Thursday or Friday, he figures to come off the IR on Saturday and make his season debut on Sunday on the road against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. It is good timing, with both Mike Evans (Achilles, ribs) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) potentially being held out through the team's Week 8 bye. Due to all the injuries at the WR position in San Francisco, Kirk could have a substantial role right out of the gate this Sunday if he is active against the Falcons as the 49ers look to start the year 7-0. Relying on the 29-year-old in a starting fantasy lineup spot is still risky, though, after his long layoff. The former second-rounder has had trouble staying on the field in recent seasons, playing in just 21 games the last two years with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans while finding the end zone just two times.
Source: The Associated Press - Josh Dubow
Source: The Associated Press - Josh Dubow
Deebo Samuel Sr. Not Expected to Practice on Wednesday
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Samuel Sr. suffered a hamstring injury in Week 5 that sidelined him in San Francisco's Week 6 win over the Washington Commanders on Monday night. The initial diagnosis for the 30-year-old was a multi-week absence, so Samuel Sr. may be unlikely to play in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons as well. Across five games before getting injured, the veteran wideout collected 16 catches for 206 yards and three touchdowns on 20 targets and nine carries for 78 yards. The 49ers may also be without WR1 Mike Evans (Achilles) in Week 7, which would leave the team very shorthanded at wide receiver. If Samuel Sr. remains sidelined, San Francisco wideouts Brandin Cooks, Jordan Watkins, and Jacob Cowing are all candidates for larger workloads.
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
Mike Evans Not Expected to Practice on Wednesday
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (Achilles) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Evans has been battling lingering Achilles soreness and was forced to exit early from San Francisco's Week 6 win over the Washington Commanders after reaggravating the injury. The 33-year-old has been highly productive when on the field for the 49ers this season, hauling in 27 catches for 420 yards and three touchdowns on 39 targets across six games. However, Evans has battled myriad injury issues throughout the year and has been forced to leave early from several games already. The 49ers have their bye in Week 8, so they could opt to give Evans two weeks of rest by sitting him in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons. If Evans is unable to play, 49ers wideouts Brandin Cooks and Jordan Watkins could see increased usage.
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
Brandin Cooks Could See Expanded Role in Week 7
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandin Cooks should see an expanded role in Week 7. Over two games, Cooks has caught two of four targets for 20 yards and a touchdown while playing just 34% of snaps. The veteran receiver signed with the 49ers' practice squad in late September after multiple key receivers went down early in the season. While the 49ers are 6-0, their wide receiver room is deteriorating, with Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) trending towards possibly missing their Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The current room includes Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing, and potentially Christian Kirk (calf) if he's activated off the PUP list. Although he's struggled to start his tenure with San Francisco, Cooks has a legitimate opportunity to start for one of the NFL's most high-powered passing attacks. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider rostering the 33-year-old receiver, especially if they're dealing with bye weeks and injuries this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Christian Kirk a WR Stash Candidate With Return Looming
San Francisco 49ers veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) has not played yet for the 49ers in 2026 due to a calf injury that he suffered early in training camp. However, the 29-year-old former second-rounder in 2018 from Texas A&M is expected to come off Injured Reserve to make his season debut this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons on the road in Week 7. Kirk had a realistic chance to return in Week 6 on Monday night against the Washington Commanders, but the 49ers ultimately held Kirk out for one more week. He no longer has the kind of fantasy upside he had a bit earlier in his career, but with Kirk on the verge of a return to one of the most banged-up receiving corps in the league, he could have the opportunity to take on a big pass-catching role right away. Veteran Mike Evans is dealing with cracked ribs and Achilles tendonitis, and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) is expected to miss another game, too. Kirk, an eight-year veteran, has 432 catches for 5,415 yards and 30 touchdowns in his time in the NFL and should provide a stable veteran presence as quarterback Brock Purdy looks for healthy options to throw to. Kirk has struggled to stay healthy in recent years and had just two touchdown catches on 55 catches for 618 yards combined in 2024 and 2025 with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
