Another Absence for Mike Evans
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans was out of practice on Tuesday, with reports it results from a groin injury, the latest in a string of physical issues for the veteran during training camp. The team has not yet confirmed the nature of the injury, as reported by the New York Post. Evans, who also left practice early on Monday, was on the side field, as was fellow receiver Christian Kirk, per the same report.
The exact cause of Evans' latest setback is in dispute. NBC Sports' Cam Inman reported that Evans left practice early Monday as a precautionary measure due to a quad issue, adding that after running a deep route, Evans 'seemed to be moving fine' after exiting, per Inman and ESPN's Nick Wagoner. However, Sports Illustrated wrote that Evans was out of Monday's practice with a groin injury new injury, separate from the quad strain that limited him earlier in camp. The quad strain occurred on August 3, and Evans resumed practicing on the 11th, only to leave the joint practice with the Chargers early on August 18, when he was later seen icing his quad; per Matt Maiocco, that was a cautionary move, and Evans was able to run pre-game before the Thursday night preseason game against the Chargers.
A Pattern of Soft-Tissue Injuries
Tuesday's absence marks the second time in a week that Evans has left practice early, the New York Post noted, and with the 33-year-old already having dealt with a quad issue this summer, Sports Illustrated called it "a pattern," describing his body "could be starting to break down." "This is the trend," the publication wrote, noting that the veteran, now in his 13th NFL season, has a long history of soft tissue strains.
NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco, however, downplayed the severity, expressing confidence that Evans would be ready for the season opener and "not do much practicing" between now and Week 1. Both Inman and Wagoner appear to be mostly unconcerned by Monday's exit, per the Rotoworld writeup.
The 49ers have been cautious throughout camp, but the latest absence isn't encouraging, according to the New York Post, especially given the wide receiver's recent history; he missed 12 of 34 games over the past two seasons with Tampa Bay, including a 2025 campaign cut short by a broken collarbone when he compiled 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns.
Considerations at the Receiver Position
Evans, signed to a three-year, $60.4 million deal in March, is being counted on as the team's top target, deemed a potential WR1 in analysis from NBC Sports. Shanahan's coach said he hopes to have Evans back next week before the team travels to Australia, per Sports Illustrated.
The absence is also disrupting the development of a rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy, as Sports Illustrated notes the two had never played together before a month ago, and the ongoing injury issues are "derailing the rapport" they need in the first season.
Wide receiver depth has become a preseason concern, per the New York Post, especially with the loss of Ricky Pearsall to season-ending surgery. Evans is not alone on the sideline, is not as stricken. Also now, players like De'Zhaun Stribling (hamstring), Kaelon Black (adductor), and Christian Kirk (calf) have been on the injury report, as noted by NBC Sports.
Contract and Expectations
Evans — a 6-foot-5 target — is entering a critical season of a deal effectively worth one year with $16.3 million guaranteed, according to NBC Sports. When healthy, he is considered a WR2 with WR1 upside, and the idea of him slotting behind veteran George Kittle and company has generated excitement in the building, with tight end George Kittle describing Evans as "the first legit veteran wide receiver" since Emmanuel Sanders in 2019.
As San Francisco prepares for its season, the question hanging over the receiver group is whether Evans' latest groin (or quad) issue is a minor blip or a sign of a longer trend.