The San Francisco 49ers have been rolling and continued in Week 6, as they beat the Washington Commanders 23-17. They improved to 6-0 and remain one of the three undefeated teams in the league (Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings).
Despite getting the win, the Niners saw Mike Evans leave the game with an Achilles injury. Following the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan said that Evans is dealing with Achilles tendinitis. Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reported the receiver's Achilles is intact, but he will be sidelined for a little bit. The timeline could vary, but he could return after the bye if everything goes right.
With another receiver set to miss time, the 49ers should call the Jacksonville Jaguars and inquire about Brian Thomas Jr., who is seemingly on the outs.
Brian Thomas Jr. could become 49ers' answer to an injury setback
Last week against the Texans, Thomas Jr. played zero snaps in the second half and is continuing to be phased out of the game plan. With Parker Washington being the WR1 in Jacksonville and Jakobi Meyers playing a vital role, Thomas Jr. just isn't being featured.
Leading into the season, Thomas Jr.'s name was floated in trade talks, and based on how the season has unfolded, it was for good reason. Through six games, he has logged nine catches (20 targets) for 105 receiving yards and a touchdown. In the last two games, Thomas Jr. has been held without a catch, with just five targets.
It's time for a change of scenery, and landing in San Francisco would be ideal for both sides.
The 49ers are slammed with WR injuries, as Christian Kirk, Demarcus Robinson, Ricky Pearsall, and De'Zhaun Stribling are on IR. Meanwhile, Deebo Samuel was inactive with a hamstring injury.
That leaves Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins, Brandin Cooks, and Malik Turner as their only healthy receivers. While they expect Kirk, Stribling, Robinson, Samuel, and Evans to return this season, adding an explosive player like Thomas Jr. would make them a better team.
Even though things have declined in the last two seasons under Liam Coen, Thomas Jr. showed he can be a dynamic weapon in this league.
Season | Targets | Catches | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Yards Per Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | 133 | 87 | 1,282 | 10 | 14.7 |
2025 | 91 | 48 | 707 | 2 | 14.7 |
2026 | 20 | 9 | 105 | 1 | 11.7 |
His best year came as a rookie, which isn't anything to scoff at. There seems to be some sort of disconnect between him and the Jags' staff, but Thomas Jr.'s talent is there. An offensive guru like Shanahan would be able to find ways to maximize Thomas Jr.'s talent while giving San Francisco another deep threat.
From how the 49ers have looked, they are serious Super Bowl contenders. Injuries could be the one thing that holds them back, especially at wide receiver. Even though reinforcements are on the way down the line, things seem to be over in Jacksonville between Thomas Jr. and the Jags.
General manager John Lynch should call to see what it would cost to get Thomas Jr., but based on how things have looked, the 49ers likely wouldn't have to give up more than a third-rounder. And with him on his rookie contract through 2027, with a club option for 2028, this looks like it could be a win for 2026 and beyond.
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