Mike Evans Scores First 49ers Touchdown in Rout of Rams

Mike Evans didn’t need long to make an impact with the San Francisco 49ers.

The former Texas A&M star caught six passes for 49 yards and a touchdown in San Francisco’s 27-7 season-opening win over the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, giving the 49ers an early return on one of their biggest offseason additions.

MORE: Myles Garrett Sends Honest Message After Rough Rams Debut

Evans was targeted seven times and quickly showed why San Francisco wanted the veteran in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. His debut wasn’t built on explosive yardage, but it was filled with the kind of situational plays that have defined his career.

His biggest moment came in the third quarter.

After the 49ers moved into the red zone, Brock Purdy lofted a fade toward Evans near the goal line. Evans used his size and positioning to win the matchup and secure a 2-yard touchdown, extending San Francisco’s lead to 17-7.

It was career touchdown catch No. 109 for Evans — and his first in anything other than a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform.

The 33-year-old spent his first 12 NFL seasons in Tampa Bay, where he became the franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. He left the Buccaneers with 866 receptions, 13,052 receiving yards and 108 touchdowns before signing with San Francisco during the offseason.

One game into his new chapter, those career totals now stand at 872 catches, 13,101 yards and 109 receiving touchdowns.

Evans also showed he can still be a valuable possession receiver. All six of his catches went for first downs, giving Purdy a dependable option when San Francisco needed to extend drives.

That could become particularly important as the season progresses.

The 49ers don’t need Evans to recreate the peak seasons that made him one of the NFL’s most productive receivers for more than a decade. They need him to win leverage situations, convert key downs and give Purdy a trusted target in the red zone.

Against the Rams, he checked every box.

Evans will have to wait a little longer for his first game at Levi’s Stadium, but his 49ers debut is already in the books.

MORE: Texas A&M Defense Faces First Real Test Against Arizona State

And it came with exactly what San Francisco hoped for: catches, first downs and a touchdown.

Thinking effortMediumTo pick up a draggable item, press the space bar. While dragging, use the arrow keys to move the item. Press space again to drop the item in its new position, or press escape to cancel.