Here’s a bold statement: The San Francisco 49ers are stepping onto the field for Week 7’s 'Sunday Night Football' against the Atlanta Falcons with a lineup that’s sure to spark debate. But here’s where it gets controversial: With key players sidelined, the team’s strategy—and their chances of victory—are being put to the test. Let’s break it down.
The 49ers have finalized their inactive list for the Levi's® Stadium showdown, and it’s a mix of expected absences and surprising returns. And this is the part most people miss: While the roster is limited to 48 active players, the impact of these absences goes far beyond the numbers. Quarterback Brock Purdy, nursing a toe injury, and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, dealing with a knee issue, were both ruled out on Friday’s injury report. This means Mac Jones will step in as the starting quarterback for his fifth game. Jones, who’s been managing knee and oblique injuries, practiced fully this week and is ready to go—but will he be enough to fill Purdy’s shoes? That’s the question on every fan’s mind.
On the bright side, the offense is getting a major boost with the return of tight end George Kittle, who was activated from the Injured Reserve list on Saturday. Kittle, who’s been out with a hamstring injury, practiced fully on Friday and, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan, won’t be on a snap count. ‘George has rehabbed really well,’ Shanahan said. ‘He came back 100 percent, had a good week of practice, and we’ll space it out throughout the game, but there’s no pitch count.’ This is huge news for a team that’s been missing his playmaking ability.
Here’s where opinions might differ: While Kittle’s return is undoubtedly a positive, the defensive side of the ball tells a different story. Defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos (knee/hamstring) and linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) are both out for Week 7. Warner, a defensive stalwart, was placed on the Injured Reserve list on Saturday, leaving a significant void. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Kevin Givens, activated from Injured Reserve, is expected to make his 2025 season debut. But will it be enough to compensate for the loss of Warner and Gross-Matos? That’s a tough question to answer.
Additional roster moves include the activation of wide receiver Malik Turner and offensive lineman Nick Zakelj from the practice squad, as well as the promotion of defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the active roster. These moves add depth, but whether they’ll make a game-changing impact remains to be seen.
So, here’s the full list of 49ers inactives for Week 7 against the Falcons: [insert list here]. Now, here’s the thought-provoking question: With so many key players out, is this a make-or-break moment for the 49ers, or do you think they have enough firepower to pull off a win? Let’s hear your take in the comments—agree or disagree, this lineup is sure to spark some lively debate!
