SANTA CLARA – The 49ers will be without their three top cornerback just as the NFL leader in receptions comes to town.
Starting cornerbacks Tramaine Brock and Kenneth Acker are inactive for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons due to injuries. In addition, backup cornerback Keith Reaser will not suit up for the game, either.
The 49ers will start Dontae Johnson and Marcus Cromartie at the cornerback positions.. Tthe 49ers promoted Cromartie and Chris Davis from the practice squad on Saturday. Jimmie Ward is also capable of playing cornerback.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Brock is out with a shin injury, while Acker did not get cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol in time for the game. Reaser sustained an ankle sprain and is unavailable for the game.
The 49ers’ problems in the defensive backfield could contribute to a big day for Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones, who leads the NFL with 70 receptions for 892 yards and six touchdowns.
On offense, the 49ers will be without their top rusher and receiver, as expected. Running back Carlos Hyde (foot) and wide receiver Anquan Boldin (hamstring) will miss their second consecutive games.
Kendall Gaskins will start at running back. Veteran pickups Pierre Thomas and Shaun Draughn in uniform as the only other 49ers running backs available for the game.
San Francisco 49ers
Find the latest San Francisco 49ers news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
Nose tackle Mike Purcell is scheduled to make his first appearance of the regular season.
49ers inactives
CB Kenneth Acker
CB Tramaine Brock
CB Keith Reaser
RB Carlos Hyde
G Brandon Thomas
G Ian Silberman
WR Anquan Boldin
Falcons inactives
CB Robert Alford
S William Moore
LB Justin Durant
C James Stone
T Bryce Harris
WR Leonard Hankerson
DE Malliciah Goodman