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Matt Barrows: 49ers’ BYE week reinforcements could help address fatigue

The San Francisco 49ers head into their bye week with questions after a loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but *The Athletic’*s Matt Barrows doesn’t see the defeat as a blueprint for beating them.

The bigger concern may be whether injuries and a demanding first half have worn down a team that will need more from its depth in the weeks ahead.

Barrows joined Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to break down what went wrong and what San Francisco should address during the break.

He said the 49ers looked like a tired team in the second and third quarters, pointing to penalties, missed tackles and just three quarterback pressures.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 25: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during warmups before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 25, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 25: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during warmups before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 25, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

“I don’t think it points to anything, any bigger concerns about this team,” Barrows said of the loss. The Falcons leaned on short passes and benefited from turnovers, he said, while Christian McCaffrey’s injury disrupted what had been shaping up as a big day for the running back.

The bye arrives at a useful time.

Barrows said McCaffrey’s injury was diagnosed as a mild hamstring strain and that the team expected him back after the break, though he cautioned against assuming a specific return date.

Several other players could also return to practice, including Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson, Mike Evans, Nick Bosa, Marquise Sigle, Upton Stout and C.J. West.

The reinforcements could deepen the roster, but Barrows said San Francisco still has to manage the workload on its defensive line. Young players and backups have taken more snaps than expected, and the team’s second-half drop-off could point to a broader stamina concern as the season continues.

“That’s going to be the second half of the season,” Barrows said. “What is the stamina level as you get into December and January for this team?”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 07: (R-L) General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan look on during San Francisco 49ers practice ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Fertitta Football Complex on February 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

That concern could shape the 49ers’ approach to the trade deadline. Barrows expects the team to look for help, especially along the defensive line, and said DeForest Buckner would check several boxes: he is familiar with the organization, plays a position of need and had four sacks at the time of the interview.

Wide receiver may be less urgent if the returning players can get healthy and new arrivals Brandon Cooks and Christian Kirk build chemistry with Brock Purdy.

Barrows noted the timing was still developing between Purdy and Cooks, a reminder that a new player may not provide an immediate fix.

The bye gives San Francisco time to recover and reassess. Barrows said the Falcons loss did not erase the team’s confidence, but maintaining that position will depend on getting healthier, managing the workload, and adding depth where it is needed.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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