The San Francisco 49ers have six injured-reserve designations available for players other than Christian Kirk and Austen Pleasants, who already have return designations. The team is evaluating that limited inventory as Week 3 approaches and as Nick Bosa, Demarcus Robinson and James Thompson Jr. recover from injuries.
San Francisco has 15 players on injured reserve, including nine eligible to return. Eight of those nine are not viewed as having season-ending injuries. Cornerback Nate Hobbs and linebacker Nick Martin are among the eligible players, though a source report said they could stay on the list for the remainder of the season unless their positions require reinforcements.
If four more players return, only two designations would remain for the rest of the year.
Bosa has a calf injury, while Robinson and Thompson suffered high ankle sprains in Week 2. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Robinson and Thompson may need three to six weeks, and Bosa could be out for a few weeks. After Friday's practice, Shanahan said the 49ers were assessing the likely recovery timelines.
NFL rules require four weeks on injured reserve before a return. Players expected to miss only three or four weeks could remain off the list, while longer absences could create roster space. The team also must account for injuries during the final 15 weeks and is expected to use two game-day practice squad elevations weekly.