After San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans limped off the field during a Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders, what looked like a tight Achilles tendon has now become a gaping hole for the NFC favorites.
Evans was diagnosed with Achilles tendinitis the following week, forcing him to miss San Francisco's Week 7 game in Atlanta. At the time, it looked as if that was the only game the 33-year-old would miss, but after being ruled out for this Sunday's game against the Raiders, general manager John Lynch was less than optimistic about Evan's short-term availability.
“In the coming weeks,” Lynch said. “We hope to get Deebo [Samuel] and Mike back in the fold."
Lynch may be tipping his hat with his lack of clarity, and he is almost surely on the phones in a back office somewhere hunting for more help at wide receiver. One call San Francisco could make has the potential to provide the red and gold with some Evans insurance, and give quarterback Brock Purdy another experienced target.
Keenan Allen patches 49ers holes created by Mike Evans' absence
The 49ers have been searching far and wide for a pass catcher after shoring up their hole on the defensive line by prying DeForest Buckner away from the Indianapolis Colts. With the trade deadline fast approaching, it may be time for Lynch to hit redial.
As the Colts continue their fire sale after a disastrous 2-6 start to the season, trade rumors have run rampant. That said, they could do veteran Keenan Allen a favor sending him to a Super Bowl contender, which could give Indianapolis some much needed draft capital.
Allen, while no spring chicken himself, shares many physical traits with Evans, as his 6-foot-2 frame allows him to create separation from opposing cornerbacks in more ways than one.
Getting open has been a struggle to say the least for the 49ers' receiving core so far in 2026, as only one receiver besides Evans (Deebo Samuel) has over 200 receiving yards in the campaign.
The Evans doppelgänger could be the insurance policy the 49ers have been lacking
Tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey have both eclipsed that mark so far, but relying on aging players who have battled their own durability issues over the years feels like a catastrophe waiting to happen.
Allen, however, could be the addition that provides consistency in a carousel wide receiver room, as the 34-year-old is still putting up strong numbers in his 14th season, reeling in 36 catches for 325 yards and one touchdown in an anemic offense.
If Lynch were to make another deal with the Colts and reunite Allen with the aforementioned Buckner, he would not only solve a short-term issue, but give the Niners a potentially scary receiver tandem with Evans when he makes his return.
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