49ers Place WR Christian Kirk on IR With Meniscus Injury
Kirk got hurt in Thursday's practice two weeks after his season debut, and San Francisco is already without Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel against the Raiders
Christian Kirk's first season in San Francisco has taken another bad turn. The 49ers placed the veteran receiver on injured reserve Saturday after he injured his meniscus in Thursday's practice, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.
Another player added to IR: 49ers placed WR Christian Kirk on injured reserve. Kirk injured his meniscus during Thursday's practice.View on X →
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter): Another player added to IR: 49ers placed WR Christian Kirk on injured reserve. Kirk injured his meniscus during Thursday's practice.
Kirk practiced Wednesday, got hurt Thursday and sat out Thursday and Friday before being ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raiders. Asked Friday whether the injury would need surgery, coach Kyle Shanahan said, "We're not sure yet. Still trying to decide." Going on IR means Kirk will miss at least the next four games.
It's his second stint on IR this year. Kirk, who signed a one-year deal with San Francisco in March, strained his calf at the start of training camp and missed the first six weeks. He finally made his debut in Week 7 at Atlanta, playing 20 snaps without a catch in the 29-20 loss, the 49ers' only defeat so far.
The timing hurts because the receiver room was already thin for Week 9. Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel (hamstring) are both out Sunday. Some help came back in the same set of moves: San Francisco activated Demarcus Robinson from IR after he missed five games with an ankle injury, and elevated KhaDarel Hodge from the practice squad. That leaves Brock Purdy throwing to Robinson, Jordan Watkins, Brandin Cooks and Jacob Cowing at receiver, along with George Kittle and a fully cleared Christian McCaffrey.
The 49ers (6-1) come out of their bye to host the Raiders on Sunday at Levi's Stadium.