Brandin Cooks takes over as 49ers' X receiver with Mike Evans sidelined

Christian Kirk is questionable vs. Atlanta after IR stint.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 50m1 min read

Cooks is the X with Evans out. Via @VicTafur on X

What happened: San Francisco is slotting Brandin Cooks into the boundary receiver role following Evans' missed Thursday session with an Achilles injury, per Vic Tafur. Tight end George Kittle noted that both Cooks and fellow wideout Christian Kirk looked sharp during Friday's practice.

Why it matters: The 49ers ruled out pursuing a major wide receiver trade earlier this week while evaluating Evans after his early exit Monday against Washington. Relying on Cooks gives the NFC's top seed veteran perimeter depth as Kirk works his way back from injured reserve with a calf issue.

By the numbers: San Francisco sits at 6-0 with the No. 1 seed and a six-game winning streak after defeating the Washington Commanders 23-17 on Oct. 19. Cooks signed with the team on Oct. 1, while Kirk went on injured reserve on Oct. 15 before being designated to return.

What to watch: San Francisco faces the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, when pregame inactive lists will settle the final receiver rotation around Cooks.

Sources

@VicTafur 2026-10-23T21:50:11.099764+00:00

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