Prior to Week 7, only the Kansas City Chiefs, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Minnesota Vikings remained undefeated. However, now the picture is totally different.

The Vikings were able to survive a very intense, low-scoring game against the Indianapolis Colts. Minnesota came back and won 16-10 after a hard-fought battle. As for the 49ers, they’re undefeated no more. San Francisco got shocked by the Atlanta Falcons, who beat them 29-20.

One team remains to play in Week 7

The Kansas City Chiefs already had their bye, but they are still undefeated as of now. However, that can change if they lose on Sunday Night Football of Week 7 away at Seattle.

If the Chiefs win, they’ll be 6-0, but a defeat would leave the Vikings as the sole unbeaten team in the 2026 NFL season. The glamour and prestige of being undefeated is one thing, but it also puts teams in a premium position to win their division and be the first seed in the conference, assuring home playoff games.

When was the last time a team went undefeated in the NFL regular season?

Almost 20 years have passed since the NFL saw a team stay unbeaten throughout the regular season. In 2007, the Patriots finished 16-0 and went all the way to the Super Bowl, where they were finally beaten by the New York Giants.

In 1972, the Miami Dolphins also managed to play an unbeaten season, though they were able to not only finish 14-0, but also win the Super Bowl en route to an overall 17-0 record.

Key takeaways

• The Minnesota Vikings survived against the Colts with a 16-10 comeback victory.
• The Atlanta Falcons shocked the San Francisco 49ers with a 29-20 defeat.
• A Kansas City win over Seattle would improve the Chiefs to 6-0.

McCaffrey is questionable to return due to a thigh injury. He is in the blue medical tent. McCaffrey is the heart and soul of the offense, who has been hit with a plethora of injuries so far this season. This is the RB depth chart for the 49ers against the Falcons:

• Christian McCaffrey
• Kaelon Black
• Jordan James

Kaelon Black has stepped up massively

Without McCaffrey, rookie Kaelon Black has taken into his own hands to keep the 49ers‘ explosive run game going. The first half hasn’t ended yet but Kaelon Black already has eight caries for 53 yards and one touchdown, and counting.

Black, who was a national champion at the collegiate level for Indiana, is an electric rookie, whose chance to shine hasn’t come up yet due to CMC’s incredible workhorse performance week in and week out. Now, he could be due to prove he can deliver the goods if McCaffrey ends up missing time.

Black’s skillset is different from McCaffrey’s

While Kaelon Black’s skillset provides a much more natural, three-down replication of Christian McCaffrey’s role than past backups, their actual styles on the field bring distinct advantages to the 49ers’ backfield.

McCaffrey is more of a pass-catcher, has explosive busts, and quick. Meanwhile, Black has a bit more physicality, is a reliable and efficient runner and for a rookie, he has very good pass protection.

Key takeaways

• Christian McCaffrey is questionable to return after suffering a thigh injury against Atlanta.
• Rookie Kaelon Black recorded eight carries for 53 yards and one touchdown in the first half vs Falcons.
• Kaelon Black won a collegiate national champion title with Indiana.

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.

The NFL fined San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner twice for hits on Washington Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo during Monday night’s game. The league penalized Warner $47,762 for hitting a defenseless player and an additional $17,911 for leading with his helmet to initiate contact.

Fred Warner could face a one-game suspension if he commits two more hits on defenseless players. He is under the same risk for hip-drop tackles, where a third offense will automatically mean a one-game ban for them.

Malik Mustapha went unpunished

Since Raheem Morris became the defensive coordinator of the 49ers, this unit has been very aggressive and plays at the edge of the rulebook. Safety Malik Mustapha is at the forefront of that. His hits are “clean” according to the rules, but they are fierce and very strong.

Against the Commanders, Mustapha had four tackles and all four of them were almost flag-worthy. Still, the NFL didn’t deem appropriate to fine him after the game. What it’s true is that this unit plays very strong.

Is the 49ers defense good?

The 49ers defense ranks as the fifth-best in the NFL. It’s one of the best units in the whole league. It’s also the fourth-best scoring defense and a big reason why this team is still unbeaten at 6-0.

Key takeaways

• The NFL fined Fred Warner $47,762 and $17,911 for hits on Chig Okonkwo.
• Fred Warner faces a one-game suspension if he commits two more defenseless-player hits.
• The San Francisco 49ers remain unbeaten at 6-0 this NFL season.

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.

In the Bay Area, things appear to be a bit clearer when it comes to the depth chart. The primary backup, if needed, is veteran Mac Jones, while Kurtis Rourke sits further down the pecking order, listed as the emergency quarterback.

For Dan Quinn, the situation changed following Marcus Mariota’s injury. Athan Kaliakmanis moved up to become Daniels’ primary backup, while Colson Yankoff, who typically plays tight end, could serve as the emergency quarterback if needed.

Purdy looks to maintain his MVP-caliber form

Brock Purdy has been absolute money to start the 2026 season, leading the undefeated 49ers to a 5-0 record while putting up major MVP-caliber numbers. Through five games, Purdy has been lethal through the air, throwing for 1,196 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions while completing 69% of his passes and sitting near the top of the league with an elite 119.3 passer rating.

Coming off a gritty divisional win over Seattle where he tossed another two scores, Purdy looks to keep that momentum rolling against a vulnerable Commanders defense. With the way he’s been dissecting secondary coverage, extending plays with his feet, and protecting the football, he’s poised to keep the Shanahan offense firing on all cylinders.

Daniels has taken Commanders’ offense to another level

Getting Jayden Daniels back on the field after his injury scare has instantly raised the ceiling for this Washington offense. Daniels didn’t look like he missed a beat in his return game against the Giants, dissecting the defense for 199 passing yards with a sharp 68% completion rate (17-of-25).

But the real game-changer was his elite dual-threat dynamic—he tore up the ground game with 103 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, including a electric 38-yard house call that completely shifted the energy on the sideline.

Bringing total dual-threat chaos, zero turnovers, and a pristine 91.9 passer rating to the table, Daniels proved that when he’s under center, this unit goes from predictable to nearly impossible to slow down.

Key takeaways

• Athan Kaliakmanis became Washington’s primary backup quarterback following an injury to Marcus Mariota.
• Brock Purdy led San Francisco to a 5-0 start with 1,196 passing yards.
• Jayden Daniels posted 199 passing yards and 103 rushing yards in his return.

The San Francisco 49ers have Mike Evans as their best wideout but Deebo Samuel is out of the game due to a hamstring injury. Hence, the wideout depth chart for this game must vary from the usual. The RB depth charts for 49ers vs Commanders are also determined.

As for the Commanders, the question is whether Stefon Diggs will play or not vs 49ers. However, given that he practiced late in the week, it seems like he will at least try to suit up.

49ers WR depth chart vs Commanders

The 49ers are relying heavily on Mike Evans but the veteran has delivered. He is ageing like fine whine. However, there also needs to be said that this passing offense also uses George Kittle quite a lot, as one of the NFL’s premiere tight ends. This is the WR depth chart for today vs Commanders:

• Mike Evans
• Brandin Cooks
• Jacob Cowing
• Jordan Watkins

Commanders WR depth chart vs 49ers

The Commanders have a veteran core to join rookie Antonio Williams. However, it will all depend on Stefon Diggs’ status to actually evaluate how this offense is going to work. This is the WR depth chart vs 49ers:

• Terry McLaurin
• Stefon Diggs
• Antonio Williams
• Treylon Burks
• Dyami Brown

Deebo Samuel is out with a hamstring injury sustained during Week 5’s win over the Seattle Seahawks. For the time being, head coach Kyle Shanahan said the Niners don’t plan on placing Samuel on Injured Reserve (IR), but the dual-threat wideout is expected to miss a couple of weeks with the latest setback.

According to Shanahan, Samuel was being considered for IR, which would require him to miss at least four games in the 2026 NFL season, but with San Francisco heading into its bye in Week 8, the move may not have made much sense. Against Washington, Deebo will miss his first game of the year, but it certainly won’t be his last.

Samuel’s stats in 2026

Making his return to the Niners in the 2026 NFL season, Samuel has made an immediate impact. So far this season, he’s caught 16 of 20 targets for 206 yards and three touchdowns. His average of 12.9 yards per catch means that whenever Brock Purdy connects with Samuel, the Niners are almost guaranteed to move the chains.

Samuel’s dual-threat ability and shiftiness have also been on full display, as he’s recorded nine carries for 78 yards in 2026. Fumbles have been a bit of an issue, as he has fumbled twice this season, with both coming in his last two games in Weeks 4 and 5.

Samuel to miss revenge game

Hoping to build on his strong start, Samuel now faces the threat of having his momentum derailed by injuries, forcing him to miss the game against his former organization, the Commanders.

Injury bug in San Francisco

With Samuel sidelined, he joins a long list of injured players in Santa Clara. Needless to say, the medical reports coming out of San Francisco’s headquarters do little to quiet the social media buzz surrounding the electrical substation next to the team’s facilities.

As things stand, Samuel is one of five injured wide receivers on the Niners. Christian Kirk, De’Zhaun Stribling, Demarcus Robinson, and Ricky Pearsall round out the list of San Fran’s wideouts on IR. As for the rest of the team, 11 more players are on IR, and it’s only Week 6.

Key takeaways

• Deebo Samuel is ruled out for the San Francisco 49ers’ Week 6 game with a hamstring injury.
• Kyle Shanahan stated the 49ers do not plan on placing Samuel on Injured Reserve.
• Deebo Samuel has recorded 16 catches for 206 yards and three touchdowns this season.

Nick Bosa won’t be playing vs Commanders because he is recovering from a calf injury suffered during a practice warm-up on September 24. This will be Bosa’s fourth-straight absence.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that the 49ers want to make sure Bosa’s calf is fully healed rather than rushing him back prematurely, especially given other injuries on the roster.

When is Nick Bosa returning?

Bosa didn’t practice at all this week as the 49ers prepared to face the Commanders. However, per David Lombardi of the San Francisco Standard, Bosa should be eyeing a Week 7 return against the Atlanta Falcons.

A grade 1 mild strain usually takes 1-to-3 weeks to heal. Meanwhile, a grade 2 takes between 3-to-8 weeks. Hence, it’s safe to say that Bosa is dealing with a grade 1 strain that the 49ers are just being too careful with.

Kyle Juszczyk is set to return vs Commanders

The good news for the 49ers is that All Pro full back Kyle Juszczyk is back and will be a part of the roster against the Commanders. He suffered a hyperextended knee against the Denver Broncos.

Key takeaways

• Nick Bosa is ruled out against Washington as he recovers from a calf injury.
• Nick Bosa is reportedly eyeing a Week 7 return against the Atlanta Falcons.
• Fullback Kyle Juszczyk will return to play against the Washington Commanders in Week 6.

The 49ers have one of the best running backs in the NFL with Christian McCaffrey. Also, their head coach and playcaller Kyle Shanahan is clearly a mastermind when it comes to designing runs.

As for the Commanders, starting running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is out for the game, hence the depth chart must be used in full. However, the rest of the running ensemble is filled with veterans and more pass-catching players rather than pure runners.

49ers RB depth chart vs Commanders

McCaffrey is clearly an elite running back and he is the workhorse of this offense. CMC is averaging 4.7 yards per carry, has 286 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns at this point of the season. He also has 137 receiving yards on 19 catches. This is the 49ers RB depth chart for this game:

• Christian McCaffrey
• Kaelon Black
• Jordan James
• Kyle Juszczyk (full back)

Commanders RB depth chart vs 49ers

The Commanders won’t have Croskey-Merritt, so veterans Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler must take the mantle. However, both of them are more pass-catchers than runners, so the playbook might change a bit for this game. This is the Commanders RB depth chart for this game:

• Rachaad White
• Austin Ekeler
• Jeremy McNichols

Key takeaways

• Jacory Croskey-Merritt is out for Washington’s Week 6 game against San Francisco.
• Christian McCaffrey recorded 286 rushing yards and five touchdowns so far this season.
• Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler must lead Washington’s backfield during Croskey-Merritt’s absence.

Diggs was listed as questionable, though he was able to log in practices late in the week. Hence, the feeling was he could be involved. In fact, the Commanders saw this happen with Terry McLaurin, their other star wideout. And Diggs is no exception.

McLaurin missed a game due to a hamstring injury, but was able to come back a week after that. The Commanders were hoping they could be able to put both of their wideouts on the field alongside star quarterback Jayden Daniels. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Diggs is active to face the Niners on the road.

At full health, the Commanders offense could be unlocked

The whole idea of giving a young quarterback like Daniels a duo of veteran-yet-excellent wideouts is to make life easier for him. McLaurin is an outside-the-numbers, deep threat despite his age. He is very good still, though his injury history has grown quite a lot in recent years.

Diggs is much more of a intermediate-level threat, with prolific routes, and safe hands. Hence, they should provide Daniels with huge upside in any part of the field. Daniels has a very good arm, so when the three are on the field, this should be a very competent offense in the NFL.

Are 49ers a good passing defense?

Diggs and McLaurin could prove to be a tought test. However, the 49ers are excellent. They are the seventh-best passing defense in the NFL right now, and the fourth-best scoring defense.

Hence, it will be a massive test for the Commanders to move the chains against the San Francisco unit. After all, the Commanders have a very deficient running game and their stating RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt is not playing and has been placed on IR, so their best chance is punishing San Francisco by air, even if that’s very tough.

Key takeaways

• Stefon Diggs is active for Washington’s Week 6 game against San Francisco.
• Washington’s Terry McLaurin returned from a hamstring injury after missing one game.
• Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is not playing for Washington against San Francisco.