49ers are playing the long game with Mike Evans as return nears

Evans first dealt with Achilles soreness following Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks, where he finished with seven receptions, 113 yards, one touchdown on ten targets. 

Evans missed practice entirely leading into Week 6, when he attempted to play against the Washington Commanders on Oct. 19. He was extremely efficient, connecting on a 54-yard pass with Brock Purdy and accumulating 94 yards on three receptions in the first half. He exited before halftime after aggravating the Achilles.  

He has since missed consecutive games in Weeks 7 and 9 following the 49ers' bye week. Evans is listed as "week to week."

Evans has quickly established himself as San Francisco's top wide receiver, leading the position group with 420 yards and three touchdowns. He's also within striking distance of tight end George Kittle for the team lead in receiving yards, trailing by just 63 yards despite playing in two fewer games. 

“I think it’s more about getting him healthy, to hope that it stays healthy," Shanahan said, via Adam Copeland of KNBR. "Mike’s such a dog, and wants to get out there all the time, and I think it’d be hard to keep him out if this was the last game or anything like that. But what we’re trying not to do is have him come back and then be out right away. We’re trying to build him up the right way."

A film-room suggestion from Kyle Shanahan ultimately put Keenan Allen on the 49ers' radar

With Evans' availability in flux, San Francisco decided to add to their receiving room before the NFL trade deadline, turning to veteran wideout Keenan Allen. 

As The Athletic's Vic Tafur notes, the 49ers initially had their sights set on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs before Shanahan steered the conversation toward veteran wideout Keenan Allen. 

Speaking on his KNBR radio show, 49ers general manager John Lynch revealed that San Francisco was actively "focused" on trading for Josh Downs. They were watching Colts film, and then Kyle Shanahan said, 'What about Keenan (Allen)?' "And that started the conversation two and a half weeks ago," Lynch said. "It's a really good fit for us."