49ers chase 6-0 as Washington restores three players for Monday night

San Francisco puts its 5-0 start on the line against Washington on Monday night, with its receiving options still limited and the Commanders getting three players back from injured reserve. Kickoff at Levi's Stadium is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

The 49ers ruled Christian Kirk out Monday and elevated receiver Malik Turner and linebacker Jalen Graham from the practice squad. Deebo Samuel Sr. had already been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Mike Evans remained questionable on the team's final practice report with rib and Achilles injuries; the Monday roster announcement did not resolve his availability.

Those absences put the focus on how Brock Purdy distributes the ball. The ESPN preview below examines the matchup ahead of kickoff.

Washington gets reinforcements

The Commanders activated cornerback Trey Amos, linebacker Jordan Magee and running back Jeremy McNichols from injured reserve Monday. All three were removed from the injury report after entering the day questionable.

Washington also placed running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt and outside linebacker Javontae Jean-Baptiste on injured reserve. McNichols' return gives the backfield another available option with Croskey-Merritt out. The club released linebacker Austin Keys and elevated outside linebacker T.J. Maguranyanga from the practice squad.

For Washington, the challenge is turning a healthier group into a more complete game. The Commanders arrive at 1-3-1 after a 27-27 tie against the Giants. Jayden Daniels scored twice on long runs in that game, as Yahoo Sports' Frank Schwab noted in his Monday preview, but Washington failed to turn its final overtime possession into a winning score.

Purdy tries to keep the offense moving

Purdy threw 13 touchdown passes through San Francisco's first five games, according to Yahoo's preview. The 49ers reached 5-0 with a 32-29 win at Seattle and now return home with a chance to extend that start.

Kyle Juszczyk is available after missing the Seattle game with a knee injury. His return restores the fullback to an offense that must work around Samuel's absence and Kirk's delayed return. San Francisco will also be without Nick Bosa, who was ruled out with knee and calf injuries.

Washington has already beaten Seattle this season. Its trip to Santa Clara brings a chance to follow that result with another win over an NFC West opponent, while San Francisco tries to keep its unbeaten record intact.

The NFL's game preview provides an additional look at the teams before Monday's kickoff.