Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Tutu Atwell

Tuesday, October 13, 7:44 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) has yet to make his 2026 debut, and his continued absence is becoming particularly frustrating given the team's mounting injuries at the position. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated Monday that Kirk is unlikely to return to practice this week after suffering a calf injury during training camp. Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) is expected to miss multiple weeks, Ricky Pearsall (knee) is out for the season, and both Demarcus Robinson (ankle) and De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) remain on injured reserve. The depleted receiving corps could eventually provide Kirk with a meaningful opportunity, although Mike Evans remains San Francisco's primary receiving option. Kirk also struggled to make an impact with Houston in 2025, catching just 28 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown across 13 games. There is no established timetable for his return, and the 49ers have a Week 8 bye approaching. Kirk is worth considering for an available injured-reserve spot in deeper PPR leagues, but managers without that flexibility have little reason to prioritize him over healthy waiver-wire options.