The San Francisco 49ers will be without quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall when they host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night at Levi's Stadium. With Purdy sidelined by a toe injury, Mac Jones will make his fifth start of the season.
The 49ers did get positive news on the injury front. Tight end George Kittle returned to practice this week after recovering from a hamstring injury and is expected to be activated from injured reserve before the game.
Defensive tackle Kevin Givens, who has been on injured reserve with a pectoral injury, could also be cleared.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Kittle's availability following Friday's practice.
"George is playing, and Kevin most likely is," he said. "We've got to talk about that as a staff later today."
Importantly, Shanahan added that Kittle won't be on a snap count against Atlanta.
"George has rehabbed really well," Shanahan explained. "Came back 100%, had a good week of practice. We'll space it out throughout the game, but no pitch count."
Two 49ers rookies could make NFL debuts
With Marquez Valdes-Scantling landing on injured reserve due to a calf injury, rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins is set to make his NFL debut. He has also been dealing with a calf injury.
"I thought he's come back from his injury well," Shanahan said. "He had a real good week of practice. It looks like he's healed. He's gotten in shape. And had a good week, so we'll see if he's up."
Another rookie, linebacker Nick Martin, could also dress for the first time this season as the 49ers adjust their depth chart following Fred Warner's ankle injury.
When asked if he expects Martin to be active, Shanahan said, "Yeah, I do."
Brock Purdy injury update
Shanahan provided an update on Purdy, who managed to be a limited practice participant this week.
"He was able to get out there, throw more," Shanahan noted. "I thought it was definitely a step further ahead than it was last week, so going in the right direction."
When asked if there was ever a consideration to have Purdy suit up but not start, as he continues to recover from a lingering toe injury, Shanahan said, "If Brock's good to go, I picture him starting. We talked—even, I think, Week 2 or 3—about a possible emergency quarterback and things like that. We'll always do what's best for him, best for the team, depending on what that situation is that week."
Jacob Cowing injury update
Second-year wideout Jacob Cowing continues to recover from a torn hamstring suffered in training camp. The 49ers placed him on injured reserve after the 53-man roster cutdown, keeping the door open for a return later this season.
Shanahan said, "I think he's getting close. I'm not sure if it is exactly next week or not, but I know it's getting soon."
Cowing appeared in 15 games as a rookie in 2024, recording four receptions for 80 yards.
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