Kyle Shanahan must balance Mike Evans' nagging hip issues against a depleted receiving corps as the veteran playmaker becomes vital for Brock Purdy’s injury-stricken offense.
The San Francisco 49ers knew they were taking a calculated approach when they added former Texas A&M star Mike Evans, especially with the veteran wide receiver now in his age-33 season.
But through the first two weeks of the 2026 season, Evans has already shown why the 49ers still need him on the field and making an impact.
Evans suffered a hip injury during Sunday's 35-13 win over the Miami Dolphins and did not return after exiting in the second half. The good news for San Francisco is that head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated the injury does not appear to be serious. Evans could have returned if the game had been closer, but the 49ers held a commanding lead when he left.
Still, Shanahan said Monday that Evans will have to be "managed" throughout the week, putting some attention on his practice participation ahead of San Francisco's Week 3 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
That is not necessarily surprising given Evans' age and recent injury history.
The 49ers have been cautious with their veteran receiver throughout the offseason, and Evans missed significant practice time during training camp while dealing with several minor injuries. San Francisco understood that managing his workload would be part of getting the most out of him over the course of the season.
That makes his availability even more important now.
San Francisco's wide receiver room has already taken several hits. Ricky Pearsall is sidelined, rookie De'Zhaun Stribling has dealt with an ankle injury, and Demarcus Robinson suffered a high-ankle sprain against Miami.
Evans therefore isn't simply another veteran option for Brock Purdy. He is one of the most experienced and accomplished weapons on the roster.
He also showed what he can still provide in Sunday's win, catching all three of his targets for 54 yards, including a 27-yard reception that moved San Francisco deep into Miami territory.
Evans was also able to get into the end zone for his first score with his new team in Week 1 against the division rival Los Angeles Rams.
For Texas A&M fans, Evans' continued success in the NFL has been a point of pride for years. Now, the 49ers need the former Aggie to remain productive while carefully managing his workload.
At 33, Evans may not be able to handle the same workload he did earlier in his career. But San Francisco didn't bring him in simply for his experience. The 49ers need his size, reliability, and big-play ability as they navigate an increasingly thin receiver room.
If the 49ers want Evans to be a major part of their offense, getting him healthy and keeping him healthy will be essential.
