The San Francisco 49ers are making adjustments to their lineup as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Quarterback Brock Purdy had been suffering from chronic soreness in his knee and oblique. Unfortunately, he’ll be unable to take the opening snap due to a toe injury. That’s where definitively Mac Jones will take the helm. His ongoing retention as starter arrives in voice the cue of an increasingly strong run of the earth.
Purdy was listed as a game-time decision coming into last week’s practices. As for Collins, he missed Wednesday’s practice, but returned as a full participant on both Thursday and Friday, showing clear progress in his recovery. Despite that upside improvement, his toe injury has kept him from starting against Atlanta.
Tight end George Kittle has surprised everyone with how quickly he’s recovered from a hamstring injury, forcing his return after five games. Kittle has been a full-go in practice and heads into the matchup with no injury designation. He’ll be limited in practice, but Kittle told reporters he’s looking forward to the match-up, and that he “fully” intends to play without restrictions.
“He came back 100 percent and had a good week of practice, so we’ll space it out throughout the game, but no pitch count.” – Kyle Shanahan
Defensive tackle Kevin Givens is on track to return — he was last week but didn’t get into the game after being activated from injured reserve. Even coach Kyle Shanahan said that after watching Givens, he expected him to be “most likely playing versus the Falcons.” This makes their star-studded front seven even more intimidating.
The 49ers have been treading water with a number of activated injuries already on the roster. Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been placed on injured reserve. He will be out for an extended time with a calf injury. Linebacker Fred Warner had surgery within the past week on a dislocated, fractured ankle. This injury will further delay getting him back in action.
Mac Jones has stepped up in Purdy’s absence. He’s on fire too, averaging an incredible 315 passing yards per game with six touchdowns and three picks in four starts. His performance has earned him a QBR of 53.0, showcasing his ability to manage the offense effectively during this transition.
The Niners preview to play the Falcons. Look for creative offensive line shifts with Jones taking over under center, and defensive schemes changing to compensate for Warner’s loss. The result from this matchup may create ripple effects far beyond the field as each team seeks to claim early momentum going further into the season.
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