Understandably, fans feared the worst when San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans needed assistance to walk off the field during the Week 3 home win over the Arizona Cardinals, and those fears doubled when he was carted off to the locker room with what was later determined to be a rib injury.
Thankfully, Evans didn't suffer a serious injury. Painful as it was, the Niners subsequently considered him day-to-day in advance of their Week 4 contest against the visiting 2-1 Denver Broncos.
It appears as if Evans' availability will be a pain-tolerance decision, meaning there's a chance he'll be ready when Sunday's showdown kicks off.
San Francisco is leaving room for that possibility.
49ers Week 4 injury report: Mike Evans listed as questionable
Speaking to reporters after Friday's practice, head coach Kyle Shanahan listed Evans as questionable for the contest.
Here's the full injury report:
Out
- DL Nick Bosa (calf)
- DL James Thompson Jr. (ankle)
- DL Mykel Williams (knee)
Questionable
- WR Mike Evans (rib)
- DL Keion White (hamstring)
- LB Dre Greenlaw (quad)
- LB Jaden Dugger (shoulder)
Related story: 5 reasons why Brock Purdy has his worst game of 2026 in Week 4 vs. Broncos
Despite the seemingly good news on Evans, the 49ers nevertheless promoted recently signed wide receiver Brandin Cooks from the practice squad, likely as a precaution but potentially as a means to negate Evans' absence, should the latter be unavailable Sunday.
If that's the case, Cooks and Deebo Samuel would presumably occupy the top two spots on the receiving depth chart, supported by Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing.
Additionally, left tackle Trent Williams (stinger) was removed from the injury report and will be good to go against Denver.
As for Evans, it likely won't be until Sunday morning when further reports come out about his availability and intent to play.
In the meantime, the Niners are hopeful he'll be recovered enough to give it a go.
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