Chris Welsh· Sep 28, 2026
Welsh expects Christian Kirk to return from injury in Week 5 and immediately take over slot work and targets, making the 49ers' current receiver uncertainty a one-week issue.
“Christian Kirk is going to be back in week five, and I know that's eye-rolling, but he's going to dominate slot and targets.”
said on air or in an interview · FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast (podcast) · read the original →
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- Availability CallsChristian KirkSep 28, 2026
“It's also probably one week, just to throw out, because Christian Kirk is going to be back in week five, and I know that's eye-rolling, but he's going to dominate slot and targets.”
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What others said about the same people
- Brian PeacockRoster Spot Calls · Christian KirkPendingPeacock lays out his projected 53-man roster for the 49ers, position by position: three specialists, three quarterbacks (including Curtis Rourke), five running backs, six receivers (cutting Christian Kirk), three tight ends (cutting Braden Willis), nine offensive linemen, ten defensive linemen (with Mykel Williams on PUP), five linebackers, six cornerbacks and four safeties. He also predicts a new player will take center snaps in preseason week three.
- Nathan JahnkeRoster Spot Calls · Christian KirkPendingPFF's preseason fantasy recap makes a large number of depth-chart, role and fantasy-value calls across the league, including Chig Okonkwo as a top sleeper tight end, Tre Tucker as the Raiders' top receiver, and various backfield hierarchies.
- Tom JensenRoster Spot Calls · Christian KirkPendingJensen projects the 49ers' final 53-man roster ahead of the August 30 cutdown, naming a long list of players he expects to be released outright, another group he expects to be cut and return on the practice squad ("boomerang cuts"), and three borderline players (Jordan James, Jacob Cowing, James Thompson Jr.) he believes San Francisco will keep.
- Jose SanchezRoster Spot Calls · Christian KirkPendingSanchez says the preseason opener hurt several 49ers: he expects Christian Kirk and Jacob Cowing to be cut, Nick Martin to be off the team (possibly traded to the Titans), and he sets De'Zhaun Stribling as the No. 3 receiver with Demarcus Robinson No. 4.
- WaltPlayer Season Numbers · Christian KirkPendingWalter Football's 2026 fantasy football wide receiver rankings (Nos. 61-95), with projected receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns and fantasy points for each player.
- Chris BroussardDepth Chart Calls · Christian KirkPendingBroussard stuck with the Spurs to win the Finals in seven games, said the Patriots will beat Pittsburgh in their season opener stretch, and slotted DeVonta Smith as the Eagles' No. 1 receiver and Christian Kirk as San Francisco's third receiver.
More availability calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
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- Jason La CanforaAvailability Calls · Lamar JacksonPendingLa Canfora writes that Lamar Jackson is out for the Ravens' Sunday night game against Atlanta and may miss the following week as well, with Tyler 'Snoop' Huntley taking over at quarterback. He also doubts Marvin Harrison Jr. will become the Ravens' complementary downfield threat.
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- Patricia TrainaAvailability Calls · Jihad WardPendingWith Chauncey Golston placed on IR, Traina expects newly signed Jihad Ward to be active against Washington and absorb a significant defensive role in Golston's place.
- Donnie DruinAvailability Calls · Walter NolenPendingDruin reads the Cardinals' Saturday roster moves as an indication that defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, listed questionable with a calf injury, is expected to be available for Sunday's Week 5 game against the Lions, and that linebacker Karson Sharar should also be good to go.
- Bill HuberAvailability Calls · Mekhi BectonPendingHuber expects the Packers to beat the Bears on Sunday, projects Green Bay's offensive line starters with Becton inactive, and says Becton's Packers debut will be delayed another week. He also lays out Chicago's backfield pecking order with Monangai out.