The San Francisco 49ers improved to 6-0 against the Washington Commanders, but it did not come without cost. Star wide receiver Mike Evans missed the entire second half due to an Achilles injury he suffered earlier in the contest.
Thankfully, the ligament is still intact, and coach Kyle Shanahan said he is optimistic that Evans will return to action soon.
While the play caller is optimistic about the situation, there are plenty of reasons to be cautious, and they were highlighted by former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman.
"I dealt with an Achilles injury... When that posterior tib and that Achilles area gets irritated, you can barely walk. You can't push on it. It's a sharp pain. It just feels like every time when you take a step, there's a knife going in and out of your Achilles," the Pro Bowler said on his podcast.
He also emphasized the fact that the 49ers scored just three points in the second half, citing that the biggest difference was the absence of Evans.
49ers can't afford to rush Mike Evans back
Sherman's mere description of Achilles tendinitis, which is Evan's official diagnosis, per Shanahan, is enough to make the average person cringe. With that being said, the 49ers saw a glimpse of what their offense might look like without the future Hall of Famer.
Needless to say, it wasn't pretty.
The second half should serve as a warning sign of what could come if Evans were to continue aggravating the injury. Achilles injuries aren't to be taken lightly. Just two years ago, NBA fans saw Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton tear the ligament in Game 7 of the Finals after trying to push through Achilles aggravation for multiple games.
At 6-0, the 49ers should not be pushing Evans to return to play as soon as possible. They have built a buffer to where they could rest him until he gets back to full strength. It might result in a few more losses in the short term, but with veteran pass catchers on the roster and numerous options waiting on the trade market, San Francisco could surely weather the storm for a month.
49ers' upcoming schedule presents clear window to rest Evans
The red and gold will benefit from their impending bye week. The Falcons, Raiders, and Cowboys will follow, all of whom present lighter matchups that Brock Purdy's Niners could surely win.
Beyond that, the schedule grows more challenging, and Shanahan will need Evans to be healthier than he is now. The only way for that to happen is if he gets the rest he desperately needs.
Sherman's description of what Evans is going through should come as a warning sign to the 49ers. Constantly forcing their star wide receiver to shoulder the offensive load could have a crucial impact on their Super Bowl aspirations if they are not careful.
Even if it means dropping a couple of inconsequential games in the immediate future, sitting Evans for a prolonged period of time is the most logical solution if the team is serious about making a run this postseason.
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