49ers need WRs to step up if Mike Evans misses Falcons game

The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for Sunday’s matchup with Atlanta, knowing Mike Evans may not be available as they pursue a 7-0 start.

Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said San Francisco has confidence in its receivers to fill the gap if Evans cannot play.

“Mike’s a heck of a player, and he’s been huge for us this year,” Kubiak said. “But we’re very confident in the people that we have going right now.”

Evans is dealing with an Achilles issue. Kubiak did not confirm whether the receiver would play against the Falcons, but said the team is ready to rely on the players who have been preparing behind him.

He pointed to the young receivers who have worked since training camp and said it will be a “big moment” for whoever gets the opportunity.

Christian Kirk and Brandin Cooks could be among the options. Both veterans have had to catch up after missing time, and Kubiak acknowledged the challenge of stepping into a larger role without a full season of practice reps with quarterback Brock Purdy.

“They know what’s expected of them,” Kubiak said. “They know the challenge of, ‘Hey, I haven’t had a lot of practice here, but they need me, and I’m going to be ready.’”

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 18: Christian Kirk #13 of the Houston Texans celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Kubiak said Kirk looked good after returning to practice last week and has continued to improve. He praised Kirk’s preparation and attention to detail, adding that the receiver is working to build chemistry with Purdy through practice.

“There’s no secret formula” for developing that connection, Kubiak said. “They’ve got to go out there and practice. They’ve got to go out there and get the reps live.”

Jordan Watkins may also have a larger role. Kubiak said the receiver’s limited targets do not reflect a problem with his play, praising his route running, separation and execution.

“He’s doing everything right,” Kubiak said. “The ball is going to find him because he’s playing the right way.”

The 49ers will face a physical Atlanta defense that Kubiak said plays hard up front and tackles well in the secondary. He singled out safeties Jessie Bates III and Xavier Watts as talented, instinctive players, cautioning against judging the unit only by its pass-defense statistics.

San Francisco’s run game will be important, too. Kubiak said the Falcons’ defense is built to make opponents one-dimensional, so the 49ers will need to establish the run and keep Atlanta’s explosive offense off the field.

For now, Evans’ availability remains uncertain. If he cannot go, Kubiak’s message was clear: the 49ers expect their other receivers to be ready for the moment.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Should the 49ers trade for a receiver after Mike Evans’ Achilles injury?
• Matt Barrows: 49ers should ‘double down’ at the Trade Deadline
• Mike Evans update: Kyle Shanahan hopeful after Achilles flare-up

Upcoming 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

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our Sactown Sports YouTube page.

Related

Kyle Shanahan shares 49ers injury news ahead of Falcons gameShould the 49ers trade for a receiver after Mike Evans’ Achilles injury?Matt Barrows: 49ers should ‘double down’ at the Trade DeadlineMike Evans update: Kyle Shanahan hopeful after Achilles flare-up49ers survive Commanders’ attempted comeback, improve to 6-0Kyle Shanahan gives 49ers injury updates on Samuel, Bosa & more