The 49ers head into their bye still atop the NFC West, and help is on the way: Nick Bosa, Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel should return after the break, The Athletic's Matt Barrows wrote on NFL.com after Sunday's 29-20 loss to the Falcons.
Who could be back
- Nick Bosa: There is a "high level of optimism" he can play against the Raiders in Week 9, Pro Football Rumors reported, citing CBS Sports. He has been out since a calf injury in Week 2.
- Mike Evans: Missed Atlanta with an Achilles issue. He still leads the team with 420 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
- Deebo Samuel: Missed a second straight game with a hamstring injury.
- Christian McCaffrey: Hurt his left thigh in the first quarter and was limited after. "I know I'll be alright," he said.
Where changes could come
- Kicker: Eddy Pineiro, who signed a four-year, $17 million extension, has missed three field goals and four extra points. Barrows wrote that a kicker tryout this week would surprise no one.
- Cornerback: Jack Jones drew holding and pass interference flags on one Falcons touchdown drive and was replaced by rookie Ephesians Prysock by the end of the game.
Brock Purdy posted his lowest passer rating of the season, 75.8, in a game with four turnovers.