Barrows: 49ers’ 3-0 start comes with growing injury concerns

The San Francisco 49ers are 3-0 and looking like one of the NFL’s most complete teams early in the season, but The Athletic’s Matt Barrows believes San Francisco’s growing injury list could become a major storyline moving forward.

Barrows joined Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to break down the 49ers’ latest win and the injuries that came with it, including concerns surrounding wide receiver Mike Evans, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and left tackle Trent Williams.

Evans was forced to leave Sunday’s win over the Arizona Cardinals after appearing to suffer an injury around his ribs or abdomen.

“It either indicates a broken rib or an oblique tear,” Barrows said. “Both are bad. Both are multi-week injuries.”

Kyle Shanahan said on Monday that Evans was considered day-to-day, though he did not disclose the exact type of injury Evans suffered on Sunday.

The potential loss of Evans would be particularly significant considering the 49ers have already dealt with injuries at wide receiver. Barrows pointed to the lack of proven depth behind Evans as a major concern.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Mike Evans #5 of the San Francisco 49ers works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility on July 27, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

“There’s really no natural X on this team now, if he has to miss time,” Barrows said. “So I would say him. I don’t know exactly who would step in for Dre Greenlaw. But Evans kind of jumps out as a pretty important missing piece.”

Williams, meanwhile, exited with a stinger but appeared to be doing well after the game. His replacement, Spencer Burford, played well enough that San Francisco did not need to force Williams back onto the field.

The biggest reason for optimism remains Brock Purdy, who has controlled the offense through three games.

Barrows believes Purdy’s early-season performance could put him in the MVP conversation, but he wants to see how the quarterback handles a significantly tougher stretch of the schedule.

“If the 49ers beat the Broncos and Brock Purdy looks good or even pretty good, that’s there’s your storyline,” Barrows said. “Okay, Brock Purdy is on his way to an MVP season.”

Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after his rushing touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter of a game at Levi’s Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Purdy will face Denver before the 49ers travel to Seattle, giving him an opportunity to prove his hot start can continue against stronger defenses.

Another major positive has been Deebo Samuel’s resurgence. After returning to San Francisco on a one-year deal, Samuel has quickly become an important piece of the offense once again.

Barrows said Samuel “seems to be in excellent shape now” and noted that the 49ers are using him all over the field, including as a returner.

“He’s delivered,” Barrows said. “And I think you know Deebo Samuel carries around a huge chip on his shoulder.”

For now, the 49ers remain unbeaten. But with Denver next and several key players dealing with injuries, the next few weeks should reveal just how sustainable this impressive start can be.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• 49ers Improve to 3-0, Suffer More Injuries In The Process
• 49ers star DE Nick Bosa Expected To Miss Multiple Weeks
• Brock Purdy Earns NFC Offensive Player of the Week Honors
• Is Brock Purdy A Top-Tier Quarterback?

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, October 11th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:25 pm PT
• Monday, October 19th – vs. Washington Commanders – 5:15 pm PT
• Sunday, October 25th – @ Atlanta Falcons – 10:00 am PT

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