49ers Announce WR Move After Mike Evans News

Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

49ers Announce WR Move After Mike Evans News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 15, 2026 4:46 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers receiving group has been crushed by injuries all season long. The latest player to end up sidelined long-term is Deebo Samuel with a severe hamstring strain.

However, there is now a chance quarterback Brock Purdy will enter Week 6 without his top option in wide receiver Mike Evans. Evans had his best game as a 49er this past Sunday in a win over the Seattle Seahawks, hauling in seven receptions on 10 targets for 113 yards and a score.

The 13-year veteran has continued to strengthen his connection with Purdy and is a huge reason San Francisco is undefeated. He did that despite playing through a strained rib issue.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (5).Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Now though, that is not the only problem for Evans. He missed practice on Thursday, putting his availability in doubt for this week’s matchup with the Washington Commanders. While he has played through the rib issue, he is now dealing with a new setback.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan shared that Evans is also dealing with Achilles soreness, so it remains unclear if he will be ready in time for the coming game. He did not practice Thursday, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.

With the injuries piling up, the 49ers also announced some positive news on Thursday. They have officially opened the 21-day practice window for Christian Kirk.

In from our brief media look. Those on the injury report — Chiefs DB Chamarri Conner, QB Patrick Mahomes, LT Josh Simmons, CB L’Jarius Sneed and FB Ben VanSumeren — were working.

Rashee Rice was without a helmet and pads in workout clothes jogging and near the WRs during…
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) October 15, 2026

Kirk will not make it back for Monday Night Football, but should Evans not be available for multiple weeks he could become an option. Like Evans, Kirk was signed in free agency this past offseason on a one-year deal.

However, he suffered a calf injury on the very first day of training camp. He has since recovered, though, and is nearing a return to the field, where he would immediately become an option.

San Francisco has been arguably the best team in the league, and they are not even at full strength yet.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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