San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans left Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals due to a rib injury and did not return. Despite losing Evans and star left tackle Trent Williams to injuries, the 49ers held off a late Arizona rally to secure a 36-30 victory and improve to 3-0.
The San Francisco 49ers keep winning games, but the cost continues to mount in the trainer’s room. During Sunday’s Week 3 matchup, the team lost both Mike Evans and 12-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams to injuries before sealing a hard-fought 36-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Mike Evans and Trent Williams Exit With Injuries Against Arizona
Evans suffered his rib injury during the second quarter after taking a hard hit from Budda Baker on an incomplete pass. Toward the end of the second quarter, he struggled to stand up quickly following a collision with Budda Baker on an incomplete pass. He went to the injury tent briefly before being taken off the field on a cart. The team ruled him out at halftime. Per the NFL Network, Evans is managing a rib strain and will undergo a comprehensive assessment tomorrow.
The 49ers also lost 12-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams in the second half when he was taken to the locker room on a cart with a stinger. His return was listed as questionable. During the opening sequence of the third half, San Francisco offensive tackle Trent Williams required a cart to leave the field due to a “stinger” sustained during the team’s initial touchdown drive of the quarter. He is questionable to return.
Before going down, Evans had three receptions for 34 yards. The six-time Pro Bowler led the team in receiving yards (103) heading into this game. During the early stages against the Cardinals, he performed well by hauling in a short pass on the initial series and pitching it to Deebo Samuel for an 82-yard touchdown via a hook-and-ladder sequence. He then caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy on the second drive. The 33-year-old Evans has 12 catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns in his first season for the 49ers.
Offensive Stars Deliver Despite a Depleted Roster
Purdy wrapped up the afternoon by completing 15 out of 27 passing attempts for 297 yards, averaging 11 yards per throw, alongside four touchdowns and zero turnovers. George Kittle hauled in a scoring pass from Brock Purdy to push San Francisco’s advantage to 29-23 with 8:42 left on the clock. He secured another scoring reception from Purdy with 1:30 remaining in regulation to stretch San Francisco’s lead to 36-27 and seal the victory.
The 49ers played a significant portion of the opening two quarters without cornerback Deommodore Lenoir while he underwent checks for a concussion, though he ultimately received medical clearance and came back for the second half.
Mounting Injuries Test San Francisco Passing Game Depth
Evans’ injury is the latest to hit San Francisco’s depleted receiver core. Ricky Pearsall underwent season-ending knee surgery in the opening phases of training camp, rookie De’Zhaun Stibling required ankle surgery following an injury sustained in the season opener and is projected to be sidelined for roughly two months, while Demarcus Robinson was placed on injured reserve Saturday due to a high ankle sprain. Christian Kirk, Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Demarcus Robinson are all wide receivers currently sitting on injured reserve, while Brandon Aiyuk remains locked in an unresolved contract standoff with the organization.
With Evans out, wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Jordan Watkins will be seeing more action. Should Evans remain sidelined for an extended period, the 49ers might need to explore roster adjustments to acquire another target in the passing game. This marks the fourth 49ers player to be carted to the locker room this season. This is Evans’ first season with the Niners. The Buccaneers drafted him No. 7 overall.
Worth a look