Mike Evans news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Mike Evans was removed from the 49ers injury report and is set to start against the.
His return matters because injuries have thinned the receiving corps around Brock Purdy.
Background
Evans joined the 49ers this offseason on a three-year deal and missed much of training camp with groin and quad issues, on top of a history of hamstring trouble. He said the time off was precautionary, not a sign of serious injury. San Francisco opens its 2026 season against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia, and with Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk on injured reserve, Evans is expected to carry a bigger role as Brock Purdy's outside target.
How it unfolded
- Aug 2026Evans is slowed by groin and quad injuries during training camp, including leaving a joint practice against the Chargers with an ice wrap on his left quad.
- Sep 7, 2026At a press conference in Melbourne, Evans says none of his summer injuries were significant and that he would not have missed time in a game week.
- Sep 8, 2026The 49ers release their injury report with Evans not listed, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.
- Sep 9, 2026Coach Kyle Shanahan calls Evans 'a stud,' and Evans is expected to start in the Week 1 matchup against the Rams.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Coach Kyle Shanahan said of Evans, 'He's a stud,' and the team's injury report lists him as fully available.
- Player
- Evans said the training staff took good care of him and that 'none of my injuries were significant.'
- Analysts
- Reports note Evans has never practiced three days in a row under Shanahan, so veteran rest days are expected through the season.
Still unverified
The exact nature and severity of Evans' groin and quad injuries have not been detailed beyond his own description; his long-term durability for the full season remains uncertain given his hamstring history.