49ers WR Mike Evans Active for Monday Night Football Despite Injuries, Christian Kirk Inactive
The San Francisco 49ers confirmed on Monday that wide receiver Mike Evans will be active for their Monday Night Football matchup against the Washington Commanders, despite missing practice all week due to rib and Achilles injuries, SFGATE reported. Evans, listed as questionable, is set to play for the third week, according to the team’s final injury report. Evans, who signed a three-year, $42.4 million deal with the 49ers this offseason, has been a consistent presence on the field despite multiple injuries this season. Through five games, he has 24 catches for 326 yards and three touchdowns, per CBS Sports.
Christian Kirk Remains on Injured Reserve
The 49ers chose not to activate Kirk from injured reserve, as he did not meet the team’s readiness standards after nursing a calf injury since training camp, SFGATE noted. Kirk was limited throughout the week and was not deemed fit to play by Monday’s 1 p.m. deadline. Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged the decision, stating, “Possibly” when asked about Kirk’s potential activation, according to the 49ers’ official website. Kirk’s absence leaves the 49ers with only three healthy wide receivers on the active roster: Evans, Brandin Cooks, and Jordan Watkins.
49ers available wide receivers for Week 6 vs. Commanders:🏈 Mike Evans🏈 Jacob Cowing🏈 Brandin Cooks🏈 Jordan WatkinsPractice squad🏈 Malik Turner🏈 Xavier Smith🏈 Wesley Grimes🏈 Will Pauling
49ers’ Wide Receiver Struggles Highlight Depth Concerns
The 49ers’ wide receiver room has been decimated by injuries this season. Deebo Samuel is sidelined with a hamstring injury, per CBS Sports. Evans has missed time with a quad strain, foot injury, and pulled groin since training camp, according to the 49ers’ injury report. His ability to play through a fractured rib and Achilles soreness demonstrates his durability, a trait highlighted by ESPN insider Adam Schefter, who called the 49ers "optimistic" about Evans' availability.
Commanders’ Stefon Diggs Active Despite Hamstring Issue
The Washington Commanders have also faced injury challenges, with wide receiver Stefon Diggs active despite a hamstring injury. Diggs, who has 18 receptions for 170 yards and three touchdowns this season, is active, NBC Sports reported. The 49ers’ inactives for the game include defensive end Nick Bosa, offensive lineman Enrique Cruz, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, among others, according to the 49ers’ official website. Defensive lineman Mykel Williams and cornerback Upton Stout are listed as questionable and will play.
FAQ
When will Christian Kirk return?
The 49ers have not activated Christian Kirk for Monday’s game, but his absence underscores the team’s limited options at wide receiver.
How many healthy wide receivers does San Francisco have?
The 49ers have three healthy wide receivers on the active roster: Mike Evans, Brandin Cooks, and Jordan Watkins, per SFGATE.
"My guess is we will see Mike Evans tonight..They wanna see how he looks pregame but the 49ers are optimistic" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/fTclRRxwVr
What are Mike Evans’ stats this season?
Evans has 24 catches for 326 yards and three touchdowns through five games, according to CBS Sports.
More on Mike Evans
X @sports has a new MNF 49ers game chat here… I'll chiming in from time to time there: https://t.co/daYJEerbfj