On Thursday, the San Francisco 49ers opened the 21-day practice window for Christian Kirk, who had originally signed a one-year deal with the team over the offseason.
Kirk, who hasn't been a part of team activities since injuring his calf on the first day of training camp, will now have three weeks to prove he is healthy. If he is able to do so, it would create a positional battle that no one could've possibly foreseen at the beginning of the year.
At the start of camp, things were going swimmingly for the San Francisco wide receiver room. Kirk's injury wasn't all that noteworthy, since his $3 million value hardly implied that the coaching staff had any major plans for him. Despite his injury, the Niners still boasted the likes of Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, and De'Zhaun Stribling, among others, to headline Brock Purdy's extensive arsenal.
Since then, Pearsall has been ruled out for the year, Stribling has been ruled out for at least 10 weeks, and Evans is playing through fractured ribs. Even later-signed Deebo Samuel is now out for several weeks due to a hamstring strain.
Now Purdy, in the midst of his MVP campaign, could be forced to throw to recently signed (and dilapidated 13-year vet) Brandin Cooks and Christian Kirk, assuming he is able to return soon.
49ers' battle for WR2 is something no one would've expected back in Week 1
Evans, despite battling through serious injury, is still the clear alpha, but the opening for his running mate is still up for grabs. In a week or two, that battle might feature Cooks and Kirk. The two have a combined 21 years of experience, and neither of them is close to their prime.
It's a positional battle no fan or pundit could've seen coming, as wide receiver was thought to be a strong suit for this team.
Purdy continues to play at a high level, but his weaponry is clearly dwindling. If the 49ers wish to make a Super Bowl run, other pass catchers must get healthy. An offense featuring Brandin Cooks and Christian Kirk is hardly one to fear.
If Deebo and Stribling can't get healthy soon, it may be time to make a trade. Various teams are beginning to separate themselves as potential sellers at the deadline, and the 49ers could be in prime position to buy. It's just a matter of finding the right price.
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