Former Texas A&M star Mike Evans is dealing with a hip injury, but the 49ers expect to manage his workload as Week 3 approaches.
Former Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans gave the San Francisco 49ers a scare Sunday, but the early outlook on his hip injury appears relatively encouraging.
Evans left San Francisco’s 35-13 win over the Miami Dolphins after making three catches for 54 yards, including a 27-yard reception that helped set up a Christian McCaffrey touchdown.
He remained on the sideline after exiting, and head coach Kyle Shanahan later indicated Evans could have returned if the game had been competitive.
The 49ers led comfortably at that point and chose not to push him.
“He’ll have to be managed this week,” Shanahan said Monday while discussing Evans’ status.
That’s an important development for a San Francisco offense already dealing with attrition at wide receiver.
Demarcus Robinson suffered a high ankle sprain against Miami and could miss several weeks. Rookie De’Zhaun Stribling is already sidelined, while Christian Kirk has not yet returned.
That makes Evans’ availability even more significant heading into San Francisco’s Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Evans has already made an impact through his first two games with the 49ers.
The veteran has nine receptions for 103 yards and one touchdown this season. He opened the year with six catches for 49 yards and a score against the Los Angeles Rams before adding 54 yards against Miami.
His presence has also given Brock Purdy another proven target.
On Evans’ 27-yard reception Sunday, Shanahan praised Purdy for sticking with the play and delivering the ball into a tight window.
“That was a keeper,” Shanahan said. “It was a perfect ball.”
For now, the 49ers aren’t treating Evans’ hip issue like a long-term problem.
His practice workload will likely be reduced as San Francisco tries to keep him ready for Sunday.
That’s good news for both the 49ers and Evans, whose veteran presence suddenly matters even more with the receiver room already stretched thin.
