Should I Start Christian Kirk?

Friday, October 16, 2:53 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) was listed as a limited participant in Friday's practice, according to The San Francisco Chronicle's Harrison Rich. It was originally believed that it was unlikely that Kirk would have his 21-day practice window opened to return from Injured Reserve this week, but the 29-year-old veteran returned to the field on Thursday and is now an option to make his 2026 season debut on Monday night against the visiting Washington Commanders. The 49ers' receiving corps is among the most banged up in the league, and the team is expected to be without veteran Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) for multiple weeks after he was injured in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. Veteran Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) continues to play through injuries, but he has not practiced yet this week. Kirk may not return in Week 6, but he is a sneaky waiver-wire pickup in deeper fantasy leagues for those looking for WR depth. When he returns, Kirk has a clear path to WR2 duties in the Bay Area with everyone else literally injured.