Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Oct 16, 2026 5:11 PM
A long-awaited practice window opens for the star receiver following months of setbacks, providing a vital offensive spark as San Francisco navigates defensive depth concerns and lingering injuries.
As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to host the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football, head coach Kyle Shanahan provided a massive update on the team's practice participation and roster maneuvers following Thursday's session.
Highlighting the afternoon was the long-awaited return of wide receiver Christian Kirk to the practice field, while multiple key starters, including Nick Bosa and Mike Evans, remained sidelined.
Christian Kirk Returns to Practice After Multi-Month Absence
The most encouraging development out of Santa Clara was the 49ers officially opening the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Christian Kirk. Kirk has been out since suffering a calf strain on the opening day of training camp nearly three and a half months ago.
Shanahan revealed that Kirk endured multiple setbacks during his recovery from the initial leg injury, delaying his 2026 debut. However, after a strong weekend of conditioning, Thursday marked Kirk’s first official practice session with the team.
"He had a real good week and an awesome weekend," Shanahan said regarding Kirk’s progress.
With two games remaining before San Francisco's Week 8 bye, the team is expected to ease Kirk back into football shape slowly, positioning him to make a full impact following the week off.
Roster Moves: Ogbo Okoronkwo Promoted; Linebacker Depth Added
To manage depth issues ahead of Monday night, the 49ers promoted veteran edge defender Ogbo Okoronkwo to the 53-man active roster.
Additionally, San Francisco signed linebacker Eugene Asante to the practice squad. Asante, an undrafted free agent in 2025 who boasts 4.48 speed, adds immediate coverage depth which is a critical necessity with Dre Greenlaw suspended and Garret Wallow nursing a hamstring strain. Shanahan noted Asante is a strong candidate for a gameday elevation against Washington.
Thursday Injury Report Breakdown
Did Not Practice (Out)
- WR Deebo Samuel (Hamstring): Shanahan indicated Samuel is a candidate for Injured Reserve, but the team is holding off on making the designation due to the upcoming bye week.
- EDGE Nick Bosa (Calf): Bosa missed Thursday's session as he continues to rehabilitate his calf injury. While Shanahan remains hopeful Bosa can play Monday night, he confirmed the pass rusher will need to test it during practice later in the week.
- WR Mike Evans (Ribs/Achilles): Evans was held out due to Achilles soreness on top of his ongoing rib issue.
- LB Garret Wallow (Hamstring): Sidelined for multiple weeks.
- DT James Thompson Jr. (Ankle): Did not participate.
- S Marques Sigle (Ankle): Did not participate.
Limited Participation
- WR Christian Kirk (Calf): Opened practice window.
- FB Kyle Juszczyk (Knee): Tracking toward a potential Week 6 return.
- RT Colton McKivitz (Illness): Limited.
- DB Siran Neal (Neck): Limited.
- CB Upton Stout (Shoulder): Limited.
Other Injury Updates
- LB Nick Martin: Will not be activated from IR this week despite depth needs at linebacker.
- WR De'Zhaun Stribling & Demarcus Robinson: Stribling remains "a ways away," while Robinson holds an outside chance of returning closer to the bye week.
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