San Francisco 49ers have maintained an unbeaten start, but it has come at a cost. Wide receiver Mike Evans is struggling with Achilles tendinitis.
Evans had to leave the field during the first half of their 23-17 win over the Washington Commanders. Coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media, confirming that the injury is an ongoing issue for Evans, which kept him from practicing before the Week 6 match.
“It’s something that’s bothered him before, and something that has bothered him throughout the week,” Shanahan stated. “When you have Achilles tendinitis like he does, you can’t ignore it. It flared up tonight. I hope he recovers throughout the week.”
Shanahan mentioned the team does not consider it a lasting problem, nor does he anticipate Evans needing further scans on his Achilles tendon.
Evans skipped practices all week, with Shanahan calling it “a pretty close call.” Evans assured Shanahan of having managed this issue before in his NFL career.
“That was the confidence he gave me, but we knew he might not be able to last,” Shanahan said.
The prediction came true as Evans, who had 94 yards on three catches, was injured after a 16-yard catch just before halftime and did not return.
Without Evans, the 49ers struggled offensively, gaining just 72 yards and three points post-break, with three consecutive three-and-out drives in the fourth quarter.
Remaining wide receivers Jordan Watkins, Brandin Cooks, Jacob Cowing, and Malik Turner combined for only two catches and 35 yards.
Also, linebacker Luke Gifford and cornerback Upton Stout ended up with groin and shoulder injuries, respectively.
As the team looks ahead to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, Shanahan remains hopeful about Evans’ return. He mentioned, “we’ll have to have the rest of the group step up,” if Evans is unable to play.
Christian Kirk, who completed two practices, may be an option to fill in. However, Shanahan does not expect Demarcus Robinson or Deebo Samuel Sr. back until after San Francisco’s Week 8 bye.
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