The San Francisco 49ers are finally turning a corner on the injury front. After weeks of uncertainty, four key players have officially been activated ahead of Sunday night’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium.
Tight end George Kittle headlines the returning group. The veteran missed two weeks with a hamstring injury but participated fully in practice this week. Coaches expect him to play a major role in both the passing game and run blocking.
Something for #49ers fans to be happy about…George Kittle is back at practice. pic.twitter.com/4KyU1J8FrN
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) October 15, 2025
Kittle’s return immediately reshapes the 49ers’ offense. His ability to stretch the field and dominate at the line of scrimmage gives quarterback Brock Purdy a trusted target and the offense a physical tone-setter.
Christian McCaffrey is excited to get George Kittle back. Says his presence is felt everywhere and I think especially in the run game. I won’t be surprised when the #49ers
running game improves with 85 back out there. #FTTB pic.twitter.com/Olplk8nAFx — Matt Lively (@mattblively) October 15, 2025
Quarterback Brock Purdy also rejoins the lineup after missing four games with a turf toe injury. He took first-team reps in practice this week and moved comfortably, signaling he’s ready to reclaim the starting job.
Backup Mac Jones was cleared as well, returning from knee and oblique issues that limited him for two weeks. Jones’ recovery ensures the 49ers have experienced depth behind Purdy in case of further setbacks.
Wide receiver Jordan Watkins rounds out the list of activations. He’s been sidelined with a calf injury but is now healthy enough to resume special teams duties and potentially work as a punt returner.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan praised Watkins’ preparation and attitude, saying the young receiver “earned his shot” with his effort during rehab. His return adds much-needed speed and versatility to the offense.
The timing couldn’t be better for San Francisco. After battling inconsistency and injuries to key stars, the 49ers are getting back several foundational pieces at a critical point in the season.
Still, not everyone will suit up this week. Wideout Ricky Pearsall (knee), linebacker Fred Warner (ankle), and receiver Skyy Moore (ankle) have been ruled out as they continue recovery.
Even so, the return of Kittle, Purdy, Jones, and Watkins gives San Francisco the jolt of energy and leadership it’s been missing. The 49ers head into Week 7 reloaded, refocused, and ready to fight for the NFC playoff race.
Seahawks Rule Out Four Players for Week 5, Including Three Key Defenders
Seattle, WA – The Seattle Seahawks will once again be without several defensive starters when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lumen Field this Sunday in a battle of two 3–1 NFC contenders.
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon, safety Julian Love, and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence have all been ruled out for Week 5. Offensive tackle Josh Jones (ankle) will also miss the 1:05 p.m. kickoff, the team announced Friday.
Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that Witherspoon re-aggravated a knee injury during last week’s Thursday Night Football win over the Arizona Cardinals. The two-time Pro Bowler has played only two games so far this season.
Love, a 2023 Pro Bowl safety, will miss his second game of the year due to a lingering hamstring issue. Lawrence suffered a thigh injury against Arizona, though Macdonald clarified he will not be placed on injured reserve.
On a brighter note, rookie safety Nick Emmanwori, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, will make his return after missing three games with a high-ankle sprain suffered in the season opener.
The Buccaneers’ situation is even worse. Tampa Bay ruled out five players, including WR Mike Evans (hamstring), RB Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder), S Christian Izien (quadriceps), and cornerbacks Jamel Deal (hip) and
Benjamin Morrison (hamstring).
Sunday’s matchup features two 3–1 teams leading their divisions early in the season. The Buccaneers sit atop the NFC South, while the Seahawks remain a half-game behind San Francisco (4–1) in the NFC West race.
Radio coverage of the Seahawks–Buccaneers showdown will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday on Seattle Sports.