The San Francisco 49ers enter a pivotal Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, managing significant injuries across their roster. Five key players face uncertain timelines as Kyle Shanahan’s squad tries to maintain its NFC West lead.
What’s the Latest on 49ers Injuries Heading into Week 7?
The 49ers currently hold a 4-2 record atop the division, but their 14th-ranked offense (76.8 score, C grade in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric) and 24th-ranked defense (69.8 score, D+ grade in PFSN’s Defense Impact metric) suggest a team performing below expectations.
Here’s where the injury situation stands.
George Kittle – TE
Adam Schefter reported on X: “49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said he expects George Kittle to return from his hamstring injury for Sunday’s game vs. the Falcons.”
A right hamstring strain knocked Kittle out of the Week 1 opener against Seattle, sending him to injured reserve. The 49ers opened his 21-day practice window in Week 6, setting up this week’s return to practice.
Before the injury, the six-time Pro Bowler caught all four targets for 25 yards and a touchdown in limited action. Getting back one of the league’s elite two-way tight ends addresses a major need.
Kittle’s blocking ability is crucial for the run game’s success. His return from injured reserve will necessitate a corresponding roster move.
Brock Purdy – QB
The quarterback situation remains murky. Purdy suffered turf toe in Week 1, missed Weeks 2-3, returned in Week 4 against the Rams, then aggravated the injury. The toe flared up again, sidelining him for Weeks 5-6.
David Lombardi reported on X: “The 49ers are hoping that Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall can ramp up this week. They’ll be evaluated Wednesday and it sounds like a chance both or at least one returns vs Falcons, but not as likely as George Kittle.”
The 49ers are hoping that Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall can ramp up this week. They’ll be evaluated Wednesday — sounds like a chance both or at least one returns vs Falcons, but not as likely as George Kittle
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 13, 2025
The fact that Purdy hasn’t been placed on injured reserve keeps the door open for a Week 7 return. Through two games this season, Purdy completed 48 of 73 passes for 586 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions.
Purdy is still the fourth-ranked quarterback in PFSN’s QB Impact metric, posting an 89.1 score and a B+ grade. Mac Jones did throw for 347 yards against Tampa Bay in Sunday’s Week 6 defeat — Jones’ first loss as a starter this season — but he also tossed two interceptions and took six sacks, underscoring the importance of getting Purdy back as soon as possible.
Ricky Pearsall – WR
A minor PCL sprain in his right knee during Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars has kept Pearsall out for the last two games. The second-year receiver has been labeled day-to-day with an estimated return date of Oct. 19.
Before the injury, Pearsall emerged as a legitimate deep threat. His 20 receptions on 29 targets for 327 yards across four games produced a 16.4-yard average. Week 3 showcased his ceiling, as he recorded eight catches for 117 yards on 11 targets.
The 25-year-old is the sixth-ranked wide receiver in PFSN’s WR Impact metric with an 88.2 score and B+ grade. His return timeline aligns with Week 7, making him a game-time decision against Atlanta alongside Purdy.
Brandon Aiyuk – WR
The Pro Bowl receiver remains on the reserve list after tearing his ACL and MCL in October 2024. Surgery in mid-November and the standard recovery timeline meant missing the first four games of 2025 as expected. Despite his eligibility, the 49ers have not opened his 21-day practice window.
David Lombardi reported on X: “Kyle Shanahan says Brandon Aiyuk’s rehab is going well, but the 49ers aren’t ready to give a precise target date: ‘I always look around Week 10, but I’m not putting an exact date on it.'”
The 27-year-old posted career highs in 2023 with 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 receptions. A return before Week 8 seems unlikely once the practice window opens.
Fred Warner – LB
Week 6 delivered a devastating blow. Warner suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in the first quarter against Tampa Bay.
David Lombardi reported on X: “Fred Warner will undergo surgery tomorrow and Shanahan confirms that the 49ers are not expecting him back this season but assumes he will be ready for 2026 offseason workouts.”
Fred Warner will undergo surgery tomorrow — Shanahan confirms that the 49ers are not expecting him back this season but assumes he will be ready for 2026 offseason workouts
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 13, 2025
Before the injury, Warner was playing at an elite level. Through six games, he recorded 51 total tackles with seven splash plays. Opponents completed just 11 of 20 targets against him for a 55.0% completion rate, and his completion percentage over expected was among the best marks among linebackers.
The four-time first-team All-Pro earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 2 after posting 11 tackles, including one tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
Warner was the 10th-ranked linebacker in PFSN’s LB Impact metric with an 86.8 score and B grade.
Getting Kittle, and potentially Purdy, back provides the offensive firepower San Francisco needs. Warner’s season-ending injury fundamentally changes the defensive identity, though, and no returning player can offset that loss.
How Shanahan’s staff adjusts over the second half will determine whether this team can hold onto its division lead.
