The San Francisco 49ers had to be happy veteran wide receiver Mike Evans would be healthy enough to play in Week 3's home showdown against the Arizona Cardinals after suffering a hip injury in Week 2 and being listed as questionable for the contest.
And, yes, Evans made a huge difference early. He pitched a lateral after a reception to fellow receiver Deebo Samuel, then caught one of his own to help the Niners get up 14-0 early.
But that's where the good news ended.
Just before halftime, Evans was running a route with less than two minutes remaining. Without taking a hit, the veteran pass catcher showed obvious signs of discomfort, seemingly favoring the right side of his abdomen while trying to take large breaths of air.
After being tended to by San Francisco's medical staff, Evans subsequently was carted off to the locker room.
The 49ers' wide receiver room has already been hit hard by injuries on the young season. Ricky Pearsall is out for the year after undergoing knee surgery, and both De'Zhaun Stribling and Demarcus Robinson are recovering from serious ankle injuries suffered over the first two weeks.
Niners fans can hope for the best regarding Evans.
Reaction to Mike Evans injury may worry 49ers fans
There hasn't been any immediate prognosis on Evans' injury, but physician Jeff Mueller had a quick reaction on Twitter/X that should cause some concern:
Mike Evans appears injured and is in a ton of pain. Almost looks like he can’t breathe. Just dropped down to a knee on the sideline and trying to catch his breath.
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 27, 2026
Hopefully not a lung or vital organ issue. pic.twitter.com/IYNprrCghD
Indeed, worrying about that serious of an injury is something 49ers fans have dealt with already this season with other offensive weapons.
That'll certainly lead to plenty of nail-biting until the official report comes out regarding Evans' injury.
Hopefully, it's nothing serious.
Mike Evans injury updates and impact
Shortly after halftime, ESPN's Nick Wagoner shared Evans had suffered a rib injury and wouldn't return to action, which isn't a good omen:
#49ers WR Mike Evans has a rib injury and will not return.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) September 27, 2026
With the game ongoing, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport shared it was a rib strain for Evans, and further tests and evaluations will be conducted to see how serious it could be.
#49ers WR Mike Evans, who left the game earlier, is dealing with a rib strain, source said. He’ll have a full evaluation tomorrow, but those can be painful.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 27, 2026
On Monday, Rapoport followed up his gameday report with another, indicating the receiver would be day-to-day—a massive sigh of relief, considering some reactions suggested he could miss several weeks.
This portion will be updated as further information regarding Evans' injury and availabilty comes to light.
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