San Francisco stayed perfect on Monday night, but the win came with a worrying cost.
Mike Evans left the 49ers’ 23 to 17 win over the Washington Commanders on Oct. 19, 2026, with soreness in his right Achilles, the same problem that kept him out of practice all week.
Why did Mike Evans play despite missing practice?
He told his coach he was ready. Evans did not practice Thursday, Friday or Saturday, but he assured the 49ers head coach before the game that he felt confident he could play.
The coach said it was a close call and noted that Evans has dealt with the issue before. He said the team knew going in that Evans might not be able to last the whole game.
How did Mike Evans get hurt?
With a little more than a minute left in the second quarter and San Francisco leading 13 to 3, quarterback Brock Purdy hit Evans on an inside route for a gain of 16 yards.
After Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves touched him down, Mike Evans stayed on the ground and tried to stretch his right leg. Medical staff helped him up, and he walked slowly to the locker room.
The 49ers first listed him as questionable to return but ruled him out early in the third quarter. He had three catches for 94 yards before leaving.
How did the 49ers offense fare without Mike Evans?
It stalled. San Francisco had 303 yards and 20 points at halftime but managed just 3 points and 72 yards after the break. Washington outscored San Francisco 14 to 3 after halftime.
Washington began blitzing and challenged the remaining receivers to beat them. The 49ers failed to pick up a first down on three straight possessions in the fourth quarter as the Commanders rallied.
The receivers who were available, Jordan Watkins, Brandin Cooks, Jacob Cowing and Malik Turner, combined for two catches and 35 yards.
The quarterback called Evans one of the team’s best playmakers and said defenses must account for him. He added that he still believes in the players who stepped up.
Will Mike Evans play against the Falcons?
That is uncertain. The coach said he does not believe Evans needs more imaging and described the problem as Achilles tendinitis. Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, often caused by overuse, and it can linger if not given time to heal.
He said he does not think it is a lasting issue and hopes Evans can play Sunday at Atlanta, the team’s last game before its Week 8 bye. If not, he said, the rest of the receivers will need to step up while Evans heals.
How thin is the 49ers receiving group?
Very thin. San Francisco was already missing Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling, Demarcus Robinson, Deebo Samuel Sr. and Christian Kirk. Their injuries range from knee and ankle problems to hamstring and calf issues.
Kirk, who is recovering from a calf injury, is closest to returning after the team opened his practice window last week. The coach called him a possibility for Sunday. Robinson and Samuel are more likely to return after the bye.
The injuries could push San Francisco toward a trade, though the coach suggested the team may stick with its current players for now and use practice squad receivers if needed.
Mike Evans joined the 49ers after a long run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons. That run to begin a career is a league record.
For a team chasing an unbeaten run, keeping Mike Evans healthy may be just as important as finding his replacements.
