Just as San Francisco 49ers fans wonder what it'd be like to see their team at 100-percent strength (and that won't happen for the balance of the year with defenders Nick Bosa and Fred Warner out), quarterback Mac Jones has to be wondering what it would look like to have a full array of wide receivers.
Heck, even Jones has to admit it's weird getting his fifth start on the season with the 3-2 Atlanta Falcons coming to town for Sunday Night Football.
But, with Brock Purdy still dealing with that pesky turf-toe injury, QB2 will aim to secure his fourth victory on five starts.
Unfortunately, one of the Niners' best offensive pieces still won't be available.
49ers are without Ricky Pearsall (again) on Week 7 injury report
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is going to miss his third game in a row after suffering a knee injury in San Francisco's Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirming as much during his post-practice presser on Friday.
Here's the full injury report for Week 7, per Shanahan:
Out
- WR Ricky Pearsall (knee)
- QB Brock Purdy (toe)
- DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)
Questionable
- DT Kevin Givens (pectoral)
- CB Renardo Green (neck)
- CB Upton Stout (shoulder)
If there is a bonus for Jones, it's getting All-Pro tight end George Kittle back from a serious hamstring injury that's sidelined him ever since the opening quarter of Week 1. While the 49ers still need to activate Kittle from IR after opening his practice window, all signs are pointing to his return after the transactional move.
And it's looking good for wide receiver Jennings to take the field despite injuries to his ribs, anke and shoulder. Still, Jones' preferred target for Sunday night's tilt might again be veteran receiver Kendrick Bourne, whose previous rapport with the No. 2 quarterback helped generate back-to-back 142-yard games in Weeks 5 and 6.
It's still a patchwork offense, headlined by the fact Jones is still starting. And it's unquestionably weaker without Pearsall in the lineup.
But, at least with Kittle back, it's not a bare-bones lineup.
The Niners and Falcons kick off on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 8:20 p.m. from Levi's Stadium.