49ers Take Cautious Approach to Mike Evans’ Return

Evans injured his Achilles during San Francisco’s Week 6 win over Washington. He missed the following week’s loss to Atlanta and did not practice when the 49ers returned after their bye. The team ruled him out for Week 9.

Shanahan said the 49ers had seen progress, but would wait until Evans was healthy rather than overwork him. The receiver has appeared in only part of the team’s games since Week 1, playing 46% of San Francisco’s snaps overall.

When available, Evans has averaged 3.41 yards per route run, a mark surpassed by only Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the NFL. San Francisco has also had other receivers return or move closer to playing: Christian Kirk came back before the bye, Demarcus Robinson’s 21-day practice window opened, and Jordan Watkins made progress before the break.

The 49ers hold a three-game advantage in the loss column over the Rams and Seahawks and have beaten both. Their aim is to protect their division lead while getting Evans healthy for the playoffs, rather than hurry him back for Week 9.