Brief
49ers activate WR Christian Kirk as practice window opens
Kyle Shanahan said Kirk feels ready after a calf injury, while the team still battles multiple receiver absences.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The San Francisco 49ers opened the 21‑day practice window for wide receiver Christian Kirk on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
What happened
Kirk participated in limited practice for the first time since a calf strain in the first training‑camp session in July. He began the season on injured reserve and returned after what coach Kyle Shanahan described as an “awesome weekend” of recovery.
What the reports add
The report notes the 49ers are currently 5‑0 but are missing injured receivers Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling, Demarcus Robinson and Deebo Samuel, who hurt his hamstring in Seattle. Shanahan said Samuel is unlikely to return until after the bye week on Nov. 8 at the earliest. Veteran Mike Evans is also sidelined with broken ribs and Achilles soreness. The only healthy receivers on the 53‑man roster at practice were Brandin Cooks, Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing.
What was said
"Just felt like I kind of got over that hump and felt like myself again," Kirk told the AP. "The body started to respond to the training and the recovery… I'm excited to get out there…"
Shanahan said Kirk’s return comes as the team prepares for Monday night’s game against Washington.
How it came about
Kirk signed a one‑year, $3 million contract with San Francisco in March. The 29‑year‑old has 432 career catches for 5,415 yards and 30 touchdowns. His activation follows a series of injuries that have left the 49ers’ receiving group thin, prompting the team to explore every viable option before the upcoming matchup.
Key facts
- The 49ers opened a 21‑day practice window for WR Christian Kirk on Oct. 15, 2026. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Kirk suffered a calf strain in the first training‑camp practice in July and was on injured reserve. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- The 49ers have multiple receivers injured, including Deebo Samuel, Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling and Demarcus Robinson. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Kirk signed a one‑year, $3 million deal with the 49ers in March. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Coach Kyle Shanahan said Samuel likely won’t return until after the Nov. 8 bye. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “The 49ers open the practice window for WR Christian Kirk”
