NFL Insider Gives Projected Monday Night Update for Mike Evans

In his first season with the San Francisco 49ers, wide receiver Mike Evans has dealt with various injuries already.

First, Evans was questionable ahead of the Week 3 matchup after he dealt with a hip issue the week prior. Then, he suffered a rib injury during Week 4, but returned the following week. Then, on Thursday, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that Evans didn't practice because of Achilles soreness. He remains questionable for Monday night's contest versus the Washington Commanders after Saturday's practice.

Despite these various injuries, Evans has yet to miss a game this season. There's a chance he could be ruled out for Monday night's game, but ESPN's Adam Schefter thinks otherwise. The 49ers' plan right now is to see how Evans feels before Monday night's primetime game before making his injury designation, but the team reportedly feels "optimistic" for the receiver playing.

"My guess is we'll see Mike Evans back," Schefter said on the "Pat McAfee Show." "They want to see how he feels pregame, but sounds like they're optimistic they'll get him back."

It would be huge for the 49ers to have Evans play on Monday night. The team has once again been dealing with a crazy amount of injuries this season, although that hasn't impacted them too much as they remain undefeated through five weeks.

Still, the 49ers will already be without wide receiver Deebo Samuel on Monday night as he deals with a hamstring injury he suffered last weekend. There's still a question surrounding receiver Christian Kirk's potential return on Monday night. He has yet to make his 2026 season debut as he's dealt with a calf injury, but he was activated to return to play last week. However, the 49ers haven't made their official decision on Kirk yet.

Having Evans and Kirk play on Monday night would provide the confidence the 49ers need to compete against a struggling Commanders team.