49ers star receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel head in opposite injury directions
It sounds like the 49ers are preparing to go another week without Mike Evans.Evans, 33, hasn’t played since leaving the 49ers’ Week 6 win over the Commanders, and coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that he isn’t expecting him back at practice this week, either.At least when the 49ers get together for their first practice on Wednesday.“We’ll see how he is later in the week,” Shanahan said.At 7-1, the 49ers have the luxury to act with caution to ensure that Evans is able to contribute when it matters most.He had to leave their Week 2 win over the Cardinals after breaking his ribs and played through the injury until his Achilles tendinitis flared up against Washington.While Evans remains out along with fellow receivers De’Zhaun Stribling and Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson suited up against the Raiders for the first time since Week 2, and Deebo Samuel also seems to be trending toward returning Sunday against the Cowboys.Shanahan said that he expected Samuel, 30, to practice on Wednesday.
He hasn’t played or practiced since suffering a severe hamstring strain in the 49ers’ Week 5 win over the Seahawks.During the 49ers’ bye week last week, Samuel posted a video on social media of himself working out at the 49ers’ practice facility, hinting that a return was starting to look imminent.With his actions speaking true to Shanahan’s words, the 49ers’ receiving corps is beginning to round back into shape, as the team also welcomed Demarcus Robinson back from a high ankle sprain.When the season began, Evans quickly established a tight connection with quarterback Brock Purdy, playing like a true No.1 receiver.
The 49ers haven’t been able to fill those shoes.In their last two games, 2025 fourth-round pick Jordan Watkins has been the lone bright spot in the receiving group when he put on a show in Week 7’s loss to Atlanta, and followed it up with another strong act in Sunday’s 38-17 win against the Raiders.Watkins was the team’s leading receiver o...