Monday night turned from a showcase into a scare for Mike Evans and the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran wide receiver caught three passes for 94 yards in the first half against the Washington Commanders at Levi’s Stadium. However, he limped off late in the second quarter with an Achilles injury that ended his night.
Evans had been bothered by the tendon all week and didn’t practice leading up to the game. Now, several 49ers analysts and writers want him rested.
NFL World Concerned as Mike Evans Exits Early vs. Commanders
Evans came into the night with more than one injury. Along with the tendon, he has been dealing with broken ribs since Week 3. However, he still found room to work against Washington.
His three catches came on five targets and included a 54-yard gain, the longest play from scrimmage by either team in the first half.
Evans left after a 16-yard grab, his last catch of the night. He was seen trying to stretch out his lower leg in the tunnel before heading back to the locker room. The Niners eventually ruled him out with an Achilles injury.
Independent journalist Tony Farmer minced no words, writing that it was “unnecessary to play him tonight” and that Evans “was constantly grimacing in pain.” He also posted a “get well soon” message, wishing a speedy recovery.
Others looked ahead. Chase Senior, a 49ers analyst for Chat Sports, laid out a plan: “I’d like to see the 49ers sit him next week at Atlanta, then the Niners have a bye week. Couple weeks to get that Achilles healed.”
Coach Yac, a 49ers analyst, made the same case: “Mike Evans could really use a 2-week break.”
The 49ers came into Monday 5-0 and first in the NFC West. They visit the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct. 25 for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Additionally, they have no game in Week 8 and don’t play again until they host the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 8.
Thus, sitting him out for the Atlanta game would give Evans 20 days between games.
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As a result, sports columnist Tim Kawakami put it more colorfully: “Suggestion: Mike Evans in bubble wrap next week and through the bye.”
NFL writer Al Sacco also explained why the caution matters to San Francisco: “Might even be a good idea to sit Mike Evans until after the bye. Give him a few weeks to get healthy. He’s too important.”
Evans is a six-time Pro Bowler who topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 NFL seasons with Tampa Bay. Injuries limited him to eight games and 368 yards last season.
His exit also hit a receiver group that was already short-handed. Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling, Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson and Christian Kirk were all sidelined, though Robinson and Kirk could return as soon as next week.
Meanwhile, the 49ers continued their winning streak despite losing Evans in the first half, beating the Commanders 23-17 on MNF.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.