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SFChristian Kirk ruled out for Week 6, Malik Turner elevated vs. Commanders
San Francisco downgraded Christian Kirk from questionable to out for Monday night's game and elevated WR Malik Turner and LB Jalen Graham.
The 49ers won’t have Christian Kirk against the Commanders on Monday night. They downgraded the wide receiver from questionable to out, confirming he will not play.
What happened
San Francisco also elevated wide receiver Malik Turner and linebacker Jalen Graham from the practice squad for tonight’s game, according to Yahoo Sports and NBC Sports.
Graham has played 15 career games but none this season. He is expected to fill in for Garret Wallow (hamstring) on special teams.
Turner was activated for depth with Deebo Samuel ruled out. He has played one game this season, seeing action on 17 special teams snaps against the Broncos.
Context
Kirk is dealing with a calf injury. The team opened his 21-day practice window on Thursday, October 15, 2026, and he practiced on a limited basis that day. He has been on injured reserve since injuring his calf on the first day of training camp.
In Week 5, Kirk had no stats in Sleeper’s database. He is listed as SWR6 on the depth chart.
Mike Evans leads the 49ers’ wide receivers with 76.6 PPR points on 34 targets, 24 catches, 326 yards and three touchdowns. Jacob Cowing has 0.1 PPR points, Brandin Cooks has 7.7 PPR points, Jordan Watkins has 8.0 PPR points, Demarcus Robinson has 19.4 PPR points, and Xavier Smith has one target.
Timeline
- Oct. 16, 2026: The 49ers opened the 21-day practice window for Kirk, and Kyle Shanahan said Kirk had a “real good week and an awesome weekend” leading into Thursday.
- Oct. 19, 2026: Kirk was ruled out for Week 6.
Depth chart
The 49ers’ wide receiver depth chart includes Mike Evans, Jacob Cowing, Brandin Cooks, Jordan Watkins, Demarcus Robinson and Xavier Smith. With Kirk and Samuel out, Turner provides depth.
What’s next
The 49ers host the Commanders on Monday, Oct. 19.
The #49ers ruled out WR Christian Kirk for tonight and elevated WR Malik Turner and LB Jalen Graham from the practice squad.
🏈 Fantasy impact
Kirk being out for Week 6 means his fantasy managers need other options. He remains on injured reserve. Turner’s elevation is for depth, so he is not a recommended add. Mike Evans is the top wide receiver for the 49ers and is projected for 16.4 PPR points this week. He is likely a strong play if he is active despite his rib injury. Jacob Cowing and Brandin Cooks could see more snaps, but their season production has been minimal, so they are not strong fantasy options.
Quick answers
Will Christian Kirk play in Week 6?
No. The 49ers downgraded Kirk from questionable to out, confirming he will not play in Monday Night Football against the Commanders.
Why was Malik Turner elevated?
Turner was activated for depth because wide receiver Deebo Samuel is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Sources
- NFL schedule, Week 6 (ESPN)
- Player data (Sleeper)
- San Francisco 49ers depth chart, WR (Sleeper)
- Christian Kirk injury update: Out for Week 6 vs. Commanders (calf) (Fantasy Football Desk)
- Christian Kirk injury update: 49ers open practice window for Week 6 vs. Commanders (Fantasy Football Desk)
- 49ers rule out WR Christian Kirk, elevate two players (Yahoo Sports)
- 49ers rule out WR Christian Kirk, elevate two players (NBC Sports / ProFootballTalk)
- The #49ers ruled out WR Christian Kirk for tonight and elevated WR Malik Turner and LB Jalen Graham from the practice squad. (X (@MikeGarafolo))
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