Mike Evans update: Kyle Shanahan hopeful after Achilles flare-up

The San Francisco 49ers improved to 6-0 with a 23-17 win over the Washington Commanders on Monday, but wide receiver Mike Evans left early with a flare-up of Achilles tendonitis and did not return.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the issue was the same one that bothered Evans during the week. Evans had been unable to practice, but told Shanahan he felt confident he could play. The coach said the team knew Evans might not be able to last through the game.

“He felt confident he’d be good today, so that was the confidence he gave me, but we knew he might not be able to last,” Shanahan said.

Asked whether Evans would need more testing, Shanahan said he didn’t believe so. He described the injury as something Evans had dealt with before and said the 49ers would see how he felt during the week.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 27: Mike Evans #5 of the San Francisco 49ers leaves the field after sustaining an injury during the second quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on September 27, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

More on 49ers WR Mike Evans

“You don’t think it’s a long-term thing, but right now it ended up costing him two quarters,” Shanahan said. “Hopefully he’ll be able to play next week, but if not, we’ll have to have the rest of the group step up.”

Mike Evans made a strong contribution before exiting, finishing with three catches for 94 yards on five targets. His 54-yard reception was San Francisco’s longest completion of the game. The 49ers’ season totals shown in the supplied stats are 27 receptions, 420 yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterback Brock Purdy called Evans one of the team’s best playmakers and said defenses have to account for his presence. Purdy also backed the receivers who stepped in after Evans left.

George Kittle said Evans “really opens up the field for us,” but cautioned against blaming the offense’s second-half struggles on his absence. San Francisco went three-and-out on its final three possessions, while the Commanders mounted a late rally.

The 49ers held on for the six-point win.

Shanahan said he hopes Evans recovers through the week, with the team traveling to Atlanta for Sunday’s game.

Mike Evans’ availability will depend on how the Achilles responds. For now, the coach is hopeful but did not guarantee the receiver will play.

San Francisco may rest Evans against the Falcons with the Week 8 BYE on the horizon, but we’ll see how the star fares in practice this week.

pcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Sunday, October 25th – @ Atlanta Falcons – 10:00 am PT
• BYE WEEK
• Sunday, November 8th – vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, November 15th – @ Dallas Cowboys – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, November 22nd – vs. Minnesota Vikings – 5:20 pm PT

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