The Niners are walking into the City in a Forest looking to keep their record perfect in the 2026 NFL season. Atop the NFC standings with a 6-0 record, San Francisco faces the 2-4 Atlanta Falcons with a lot on the line and a steep climb ahead to make it out alive. Brock Purdy will be without two key weapons, with both Evans and Samuel ruled out by the 49ers.

Mike Evans has been haunted by injuries all year long. Even though he had played in all six games for San Francisco in 2026, he had seemingly always arrived on game day with a questionable tag next to his name.

In Week 7, however, he has no such designation heading into kickoff. Instead, he’s been ruled out entirely with an Achilles injury. The veteran wideout had also been dealing with a rib injury.

Deebo Samuel’s injury

As for Samuel, the shifty playmaker is dealing with an injury considered more serious than Evans’. Samuel remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in Week 5 of the 2026 NFL campaign.

According to reports, Samuel is expected to miss several weeks. However, the Niners don’t plan on placing him on Injured Reserve (IR), as they have a bye scheduled for Week 8. Still, his health remains something to keep an eye on moving forward.

Niners’ WR depth chart

With Evans and Samuel out of the picture, the Niners will roll into Atlanta with the following active WR room: Brandin Cooks, Jordan Watkins, and Jacob Cowing. Kirk could join the mix, as reports suggest he’ll be activated off IR. Other injured wide receivers on IR include Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, and De’Zhaun Stribling.

National Tight Ends Day

If there’s a sliver of hope for San Francisco’s passing game, it’s that Week 7 falls on National Tight Ends Day (the fourth Sunday of October), with founding father George Kittle almost always making his presence felt on the special occasion.

Key takeaways

• Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel are ruled out for the San Francisco 49ers against Atlanta.
• An Achilles injury sidelines Mike Evans after playing in the first six games this season.
• A Week 5 hamstring injury keeps Deebo Samuel sidelined for several weeks without going to IR.

Despite the cautious designation on the team’s official injury report, head coach Kyle Shanahan and the front office are preparing to make an aggressive roster move. The franchise is expected to formally activate Kirk off injured reserve in time to suit up on game day for his season debut. Kirk should play a big part in this game.

His anticipated return provides an immediate spark for an offense searching for answers. With standout playmaker Mike Evans ruled completely out for the contest, getting Kirk back on the field suddenly becomes vital for San Francisco’s passing attack to produce the good vs. Falcons.

Kirk has proven veteran pedigree

Drafted in the second round back in 2018, Kirk has developed into one of the league’s most reliable and savvy intermediate targets over his eight-year career. He has posted a 1,000-yard campaign, hauled in over 400 career receptions, and consistently proved he can serve as a dependable chain-mover.

That clutch ability took center stage during last season’s playoffs. Kirk delivered an explosive eight-catch, 144-yard masterclass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Wild Card Weekend. The wideout has a veteran poise that can become crucial for the 49ers offense.

Kirk is a crucial slot weapon replacing an outside threat

Kirk’s activation does not mean he will simply take over Evans‘ responsibilities on the field. Evans thrives outside the numbers by utilizing his size and vertical prowess. Meanwhile, Kirk operates as an elite route-running technician primarily stationed in the slot.

By moving Kirk inside, the 49ers will naturally remodel their offensive rhythm against Atlanta’s secondary. Instead of relying on contested deep sideline throws, San Francisco can exploit quick mismatches over the middle of the field and keep drives alive on third downs.

Key takeaways

• Christian Kirk is listed as questionable while Mike Evans is ruled out vs Falcons.
• The 49ers expect to activate Christian Kirk off injured reserve for his debut.
• Christian Kirk posted 144 yards against Pittsburgh during last season’s Wild Card Weekend.

Kendal Daniels tried to make a tackle but ended up making direct contact to the knee of the Bears player, which seemingly forced a compression on his neck. After not being able to recover, he got stretchered out as the whole stadium stood in silence.

Per the Falcons social media, “Daniels is alert and has movement in all his extremities.” This is good news as it’s the first sign that the injury is not as serious as it could be.

Neck injuries are very dangerous

Players running at maximum speed toward one another generate massive force that concentrates heavily on the neck and cervical vertebrae. Hence, a full-force impact straightens the neck, removing its natural shock-absorbing curve and driving the impact straight down the spinal column.

Bruising, compression, or tearing of the spinal cord itself, which can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis, loss of motor control, or sensory deficits are taken very seriously. Hence, Daniels will be treated with full priority.

How are neck injuries treated on field?

Medical staffs treat any suspected neck or spinal injury with immediate immobilization, spine-boarding, and fast hospital transport. The immobilization process can take a bit, as doctors need to be very careful with the body of the injured player.

Key takeaways

• Linebacker Kendal Daniels was stretchered off the field against the Chicago Bears.
• Kendal Daniels suffered a neck injury after making direct contact with a Bears player.
• Falcons linebacker Kendal Daniels was transported to a hospital for further evaluation.

Penix was injured late in the fourth quarter against Baltimore and was unable to take part in the Falcons’ overtime possession. Veteran backup Tua Tagovailoa stepped in, but his appearance ended with an interception that sealed Atlanta’s 30-23 defeat. The loss was a frustrating setback for a team that had won two consecutive games before facing the Ravens.

With Penix back at practice and no longer carrying an injury designation, Atlanta has reason to feel encouraged heading into Sunday’s game. The Falcons will look to get their season back on track against a Chicago team that is also preparing to welcome Caleb Williams back after an injury absence.

What happened to Michael Penix Jr.?

Michael Penix Jr. suffered the rib injury late in the game against Baltimore after taking a hit. He briefly returned for one play but did not come back onto the field for overtime, leaving Tagovailoa to lead the offense. The backup quarterback threw an interception on his second play, ending Atlanta’s possession and giving the Ravens the opportunity to finish the game.

The Falcons monitored Penix throughout the week, and his participation in practice provided a positive sign for his availability. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said earlier in the week that Penix was expected to start as long as his recovery progressed without complications. The quarterback also indicated that he was feeling better, although neither he nor the team publicly disclosed the full extent of the rib injury.

Penix’s return is important for an Atlanta team that enters Week 6 with a 2-3 record and hopes to respond after the loss to Baltimore. Through his first three starts of the season, he has completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 719 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. With no injury designation and a full week of practice behind him, Penix is expected to lead the Falcons against the Bears on Sunday.

Key takeaways

• Michael Penix Jr. has no injury designation for Sunday’s game vs the Chicago Bears.
• He suffered a rib injury against the Ravens but completed a full week of practice.
• Tua Tagovailoa replaced him in overtime and threw a costly interception.

Williams completed a full week of practice without setbacks, and reports indicate that the Bears plan to start him in Atlanta. Although he was officially listed as questionable, his progress throughout the week has put him in position to make his return. Chicago will need its starting quarterback back as the team attempts to regain momentum in a competitive NFC North race.

Caleb has also acknowledged that he suffered a hamstring tear, but he has been frustrated by reports and speculation surrounding the severity of the injury. Rather than publicly confirming the grade of the tear, the quarterback pushed back against the rumors that circulated while he was sidelined. His return now gives him an opportunity to put the attention back on the field.

Is Caleb Williams playing today for Bears against Falcons?

Yes. Caleb Williams is playing for the Bears against the Falcons. His injury occurred during Chicago’s Week 2 game against the Minnesota Vikings, forcing him to miss three consecutive matchups. Now, he’s back.

During that stretch, the Bears used Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent at quarterback, managing two wins before suffering a heavy defeat against Green Bay. The loss exposed the team’s offensive struggles and increased the importance of getting Williams back under center.

The quarterback has made it clear that he was unhappy with the speculation surrounding his injury, particularly reports discussing its severity. While Williams confirmed that he suffered a tear, he did not reveal the grade of the injury. The Bears have instead focused on his ability to progress through practice and complete the physical tests required before returning to game action.

Chicago enters Week 6 with a 3-2 record after the painful loss to the Packers, leaving the team looking to respond against Atlanta. Williams’ return could provide stability at quarterback and help the offense rediscover its rhythm, but the Bears will also need to protect him as he resumes playing after several weeks away. Sunday’s game represents an important opportunity for Chicago to get back on track and strengthen its position in the NFC North.

Key takeaways

• Caleb Williams is expected to start against the Falcons after missing three games with a torn hamstring.
• Williams completed a full week of practice without setbacks.
• The Bears enter Week 6 at 3-2 after a painful loss to the Packers.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that Caleb Williams is expected to play after completing a full week of practice without experiencing any setbacks.

“He’s back: The Bears are planning to start Caleb Williams after he missed the past three games due to a torn hamstring but went through a full week of practice this week without any setbacks, per NFLN and ESPN,” Schefter wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

How Williams suffered the injury

Williams suffered a torn right hamstring during a red-zone scramble in the fourth quarter of a 9-3 Week 2 loss against the Minnesota Vikings on September 20, 2026.

He felt a pop and initially thought someone had grabbed him from behind. He later clarified that the issue was a serious hamstring tear rather than a minor strain, which kept him sidelined and left the Bears in a difficult position in the NFL season.

To put the absence of Williams into context, Chicago’s offense struggled significantly against Green Bay, generating just 246 total yards, including 165 passing yards and 81 rushing yards.

The Bears also committed five turnovers, throwing three interceptions and fumbling twice in a performance that highlighted their offensive struggles without Williams. The defeat dropped Chicago to 3-2 and put pressure on head coach Ben Johnson and his offense to regain consistency as the team approaches the middle of its schedule.

Key takeaways

• The Chicago Bears plan to start Caleb Williams in Week 6 against Atlanta.
• A torn right hamstring was suffered by Caleb Williams against Minnesota on September 20.
• Five turnovers were committed by the Chicago Bears without Caleb Williams against Green Bay.

According to Tori McElhaney of Fox 5 Sports, “Michael Penix Jr. is officially good to go.” Penix couldn’t finish the Week 5 game against the Ravens as he suffered a huge hit to the ribs.

After that, Tua Tagovailoa came into the game and almost immediately threw a game-ending interception that cost the Falcons a loss. Now, they regain Penix who is unbeaten so far in games he started and ended in the 2026 NFL season.

The Falcons offense has looked stunning with Penix

The Atlanta Falcons offense has transformed dramatically since Michael Penix Jr. took over as the starting quarterback for the 2026 season, shifting from an early-season offensive struggle into a high-scoring unit.

After managing only 16 combined points in their first two games under Cooper Rush, the Falcons averaged over 34 points per game across Penix’s first three starts, including a 45–24 blowout win against the New Orleans Saints. In three games played, Penix has completed 67.5% of his passes for 719 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, earning a 104.8 quarterback rating so far.

The Bears get Caleb Williams back too

After missing three weeks due to a hamstring injury, it seems like the Caleb Williams hype-train will be back on track. Williams has one full game this season and the Bears scored 59 points.

This has all the signs to become the highest-scoring game of Week 6 in the 2026 NFL season. Both offenses will be looking to be firing at all cylinders. However, both defenses will try to make it easier on their quarterbacks to win the game.

Key takeaways

• Michael Penix Jr. is officially good to go for Atlanta against Chicago in Week 6.
• Penix completed 67.5% of passes for 719 yards and three touchdowns in three games.
• Caleb Williams returns for Chicago after missing three weeks due to a hamstring injury.

Penix took all the first-team reps at practice and told reporters he made every throw while his ribs continued to improve. ESPN’s Marc Raimondi shared the quarterback’s update on X, formerly Twitter, following the Falcons’ practice in Flowery Branch: “Penix says he’s good to play. #Falcons”

The Falcons’ third-year quarterback injured his ribs late in regulation during a 30-23 Week 5 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens, putting his status for Week 6 in question. However, everything points toward the issue being nothing to worry about.

What happened to Penix

Tavius Robinson sacked him with about 19 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, and Penix briefly returned before the pain worsened while he cooled down on the sideline.

Backup Tua Tagovailoa handled overtime and threw the game-ending interception after the Ravens scored. Penix finished 19 of 32 for 240 yards and one touchdown before exiting.

The 26-year-old has completed 67.5% of his passes for 719 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception across three starts this NFL season. He missed Atlanta’s first two games while recovering from a 2025 ACL tear.

The Falcons are 2-3 entering Sunday’s home matchup against the Bears, who sit at 3-2. Penix’s return would give Atlanta continuity under center as the squad tries to rebound from consecutive losses and stabilize its offense.

Key takeaways

• All first-team reps at practice were taken by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
• A 30-23 overtime loss to Baltimore resulted in Michael Penix Jr.’s rib injury.
• Backup Tua Tagovailoa handled overtime for the Atlanta Falcons after Michael Penix Jr. exited.

Jackson was ruled out by head coach Jesse Minter on Friday ahead of a “Sunday Night Football” matchup with the surging Falcons, leaving Tyler Huntley as the team’s starter. After Jackson’s 2025 campaign was derailed by injury, the Ravens are hoping to avoid the same scenario.

Jackson is dealing with an “unconventional” ankle sprain, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported. While the Ravens star is not dealing with a high-ankle sprain, according to reports, the injury is significant enough to keep him sidelined for at least one game.

Lamar’s return

Jackson missed the second half of Baltimore’s Week 4 game against the Titans after a Tennessee defender landed on his ankle. He limped back to the sideline before standing and watching the second half of a game the Ravens led comfortably most of the way.

Fortunately, the Ravens did not need him, hanging on to win 24-18 to improve to 3-1. Jackson was 15-for-20 for 222 passing yards and two touchdowns, adding 20 yards on the ground before leaving the game.

However, the Ravens and Jackson received a major update regarding his injury, indicating his return could come sooner than expected. Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said that Jackson’s status for Week 6 against the surprising Cleveland Browns is unknown.

Nevertheless, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Lamar Jackson has a “real chance” to return in Week 6 against the Browns. Rapoport also stated Jackson has been “working like crazy” to get back on the field next week.

Key takeaways

• Tyler Huntley was named Baltimore’s starter after Lamar Jackson was ruled out.
• An unconventional ankle sprain keeps Lamar Jackson sidelined for at least one game.
• Week 6 against Cleveland gives Lamar Jackson a real chance to return.

For the Falcons, Michael Penix Jr. entered the lineup, and Atlanta transformed into one of the NFL’s best offenses over the last two weeks. The Falcons put up 80 combined points against the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints. Penix serves as the starting quarterback, with Tua Tagovailoa as the primary backup and Jack Strand as the second backup.

On the Ravens’ side, they face trouble as quarterback Lamar Jackson has been ruled out of Sunday night’s game. The Ravens will start backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, who was 2-0 as a fill-in starter last season, while Joe Fagnano serves as the backup.

Lamar Jackson’s significant absence

Jackson injured his ankle during Sunday’s 24-18 win over the Tennessee Titans. He didn’t play in the second half and left M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday night wearing a protective boot on his left foot.

With Jackson as their starting quarterback, the Ravens are 79-32 (.712), averaging 28.4 points per game. Without Jackson since the start of the 2019 season, Baltimore is 6-11 (.353), with its average points per game dropping to 17.6.

The biggest drop-off from Jackson to Huntley is explosive plays. In four games this season, Jackson has thrown nine passes of 25 yards or longer, which ranks fifth in the NFL. In Huntley’s two starts last season, he totaled one completion of 25 yards or longer.

What the Falcons must capitalize on

The Falcons hold the advantage with the Ravens playing without Jackson. With Baltimore missing their leader and top offensive weapon, Atlanta should capitalize on its defense with strong defensive line play. However, a crucial performance from Penix will be needed to execute the offense and secure the win.

Key takeaways

• Lamar Jackson was ruled out for the Baltimore Ravens against Atlanta.
• Michael Penix Jr. serves as Atlanta’s QB1, backed by Tua Tagovailoa.
• Tyler Huntley starts at quarterback for Baltimore, with Joe Fagnano as backup.

Jackson suffered the injury during the first half of Baltimore’s Week 4 win over the Tennessee Titans. He was sacked on the final play before halftime when Titans defensive end Jermaine Johnson II landed on his left ankle. Jackson did not return after the break, leaving the Ravens to finish the game without their starting quarterback.

Before exiting, Jackson had completed 15 of 20 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns, helping Baltimore build a 24-7 halftime lead. Tyler Huntley replaced him in the second half and completed eight of nine passes for 63 yards as the Ravens held on for a 24-18 victory. Although the initial hope was that Jackson could recover in time for Atlanta, his lack of practice ultimately led to the decision to keep him sidelined.

Who will start at QB for Ravens vs Falcons?

Tyler Huntley will start at quarterback against the Falcons, giving Baltimore a familiar option while Jackson recovers. Head coach Jesse Minter expressed confidence in the backup, who has previous starting experience with the Ravens and stepped in effectively against Tennessee. Huntley will now be responsible for leading the offense against an Atlanta team that has shown improvement with Michael Penix Jr. back under center.

The Falcons present a difficult challenge, particularly because of their ability to generate offense through both the passing game and the ground attack. Penix’s return gives Atlanta stability at quarterback, while running back Bijan Robinson remains a major threat who can change a game with his explosiveness. Without Jackson’s dual-threat ability, Baltimore may need to rely more heavily on Derrick Henry and its defense to keep the matchup under control.

Jackson is not the only notable absence for Baltimore. Outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson has also been ruled out because of a finger injury, marking another game he will miss while recovering from the issue. Meanwhile, center Cam Jurgens remains in concussion protocol and is not expected to make his Ravens debut until next week. With three important players unavailable, Baltimore will need contributions from its backups as it attempts to secure a win in Atlanta and avoid taking unnecessary risks with Jackson’s recovery.

Key takeaways

• Lamar Jackson was ruled out for the Ravens’ Week 5 game with an ankle injury.
• The QB completed 15 of 20 passes for 222 yards before leaving the game vs Titans in the first half.
• Tyler Huntley will start at quarterback for Baltimore against the Atlanta Falcons.