Should I Start Christian Kirk?

Wednesday, October 21, 4:38 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, according to Josh Dubow of The Associated Press. Kirk was close to coming off Injured Reserve to play in the Monday night win over the visiting Washington Commanders, but the Niners held him out for one more game. Now that Kirk is practicing in full, barring a setback on Thursday or Friday, he figures to come off the IR on Saturday and make his season debut on Sunday on the road against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. It is good timing, with both Mike Evans (Achilles, ribs) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) potentially being held out through the team's Week 8 bye. Due to all the injuries at the WR position in San Francisco, Kirk could have a substantial role right out of the gate this Sunday if he is active against the Falcons as the 49ers look to start the year 7-0. Relying on the 29-year-old in a starting fantasy lineup spot is still risky, though, after his long layoff. The former second-rounder has had trouble staying on the field in recent seasons, playing in just 21 games the last two years with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans while finding the end zone just two times.