The San Francisco 49ers just threw open the practice window for wide receiver Christian Kirk, and honestly, it’s about dang time. This guy has been sidelined with a calf injury since the very first day of training camp, meaning he hasn’t stepped on a football field for three and a half months. That’s an eternity in NFL time. Getting him back is a massive step, even if it’s just practice for now.
Kirk’s Comeback: Time to Get Up to Speed
Think about it, three and a half months without playing football? Kirk needs to shake off some serious rust. The Niners have got two games left before their bye, and the smart money says they’re gonna use that stretch to get Kirk back into football shape and up to speed. The goal here is clear: they want him to hit the ground running when they come out of the bye. He was a primary slot receiver for the Texans last season, running 69.8% of his routes from there, so getting that reliable inside target back can only open things up. This isn’t just about having another body; it’s about getting a key piece back to full force.
Linebacker Moves: Filling Holes on Defense and Special Teams
Meanwhile, the 49ers aren’t just twiddling their thumbs. They’ve been making moves on the defensive side, too. They promoted Ogbo Okoronkwo to the active roster, which is big for depth. On top of that, they signed linebacker Eugene Asante to the practice squad. Asante is probably getting elevated for Monday Night Football. Why the urgency? Dre Greenlaw is suspended, and Garret Wallow is dealing with a hamstring injury. Talk about needing bodies! Asante might be an undrafted free agent from Auburn in 2025 who bounced around practice squads with the Dolphins, Browns, Falcons, and Cardinals, but he can fly. He ran a 4.48 40-yard dash and his 10-yard split was in the 96th percentile. The plan? He’s on the roster specifically to cover kicks, and Raheem Morris should know exactly what kind of player he is, which is always a plus. Arizona actually released him from their practice squad just a couple days ago, on October 13, so he’s jumping right into the fire.
With Asante likely stepping up for Monday Night Football to cover those kicks, and Kirk starting his long-awaited return process, the Niners are clearly trying to shore things up. It’s all about getting guys healthy and ready to make a real impact as they push through the season. Keep an eye on Kirk after that bye week; that’s when things could really get interesting.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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