Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel DNP on Wednesday

Evans is already expected to miss “a little time” because of his Achilles tendinitis, so this isn’t a surprise. It’s safe to assume he’s out for at least Week 7, but the good news is that it’s not expected to be a long-term issue. Evans could be back as soon as Week 9 following the 49ers’ bye week. With Deebo Samuel all but ruled out for this week’s matchup with Atlanta, Brandin Cooks and Jordan Watkins are set for starting roles on Sunday.

Chan speculates that the window for his recovery could align with the team’s Week 8 bye week, meaning Evans would miss just one game with an aggravation of the Achilles injury that had him listed as questionable heading into Monday Night Football against the Commanders. All things considered, it’s solid news for Evans, the 49ers, and his fantasy managers. Expect a more concrete update from the team in the coming days as they limp into a Week 7 game against the Falcons down plentiful impact wide receivers.

Evans came into the game with two injury designations, ribs and Achilles, ultimately suiting up. He limped to the locker room with the help of training staff and was seen in the tunnel pointing to his Achilles. The 33-year-old receiver has been on the injury report for much of the season, with the most recent ailment potentially proving to be too much to play through. Expect an update from the team after the half. Evans caught 3-of-5 targets for 94 yards prior to departing. 49ers beat reporter Jennifer Lee Chan reported after the game that Evans’ Achilles is intact but will “miss a little time.”

Evans will gut it out in Week 6 as fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel is unable to go. Look for the bulk of the aerial offense to flow through Evans, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey, the three of whom handily led the team in route participation a week ago following Samuel’s departure. Inactive for the 49ers are QB Kurtis Rourke, DE Nick Bosa, WR Deebo Samuel, S Marques Sigle, LB Garret Wallow, OT Enrique Cruz Jr., and DT Naquan Jones.

Evans did not log a practice in the days leading up to Monday night’s game against the Commanders, but the team still listed him as questionable on Saturday. Schefter reports the Niners want to see how Evans looks during pregame warmups, but it sounds like they are somewhat hopeful he will be active for Monday’s game. Evans has caught 24 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns this season and went for 7-113-1 on 10 targets in last week’s win over the Seahawks. He would be a must-start on Monday against Washington if he is active.

Evans was unable to practice through Friday but ultimately did enough to land a questionable tag with multiple injury designations. However likely it is that Evans continues to play through various ailments, fantasy managers could look to make alternate plans considering the timing of the 49ers’ game on Monday.

Samuel will be forced to miss Week 6 with a hamstring injury sustained in the team’s Week 5 win over the Seahawks, leaving the team extremely thin at wide receiver. They could get a small boost with Christian Kirk a candidate to be activated from injured reserve ahead of Monday’s game, although Mike Evans is also listed as questionable.

Even for an iron man like Evans, this is a little concerning. Frankly, we still expect Evans to play, but two missed practices due partially to Achilles “soreness” are less than ideal. The 49ers face the Commanders on Monday night. Making a backup plan is worthwhile at this time.

The 49ers have a Week 8 bye and thus Samuel would stay on injured reserve an extra week. Reading between the lines, it sounds like Samuel has a chance to play in Week 9 if things go well. Shanahan added that Demarcus Robinson (ankle) could return for Week 9 as well.

It’s tough to get a read on this. The 49ers like to describe injuries with things like “tightness” and “soreness” rather than just calling it an injury. That said, the team labeled Christian McCaffrey with “tightness” while he was in late August and it has not impacted him in the slightest, so speculating here is inappropriate. What we do know is that Evans plays through injuries that would sideline others. The 49ers face the Commanders on Monday night, giving Evans an extra day to get right. If active, he is a locked-in WR2. Stay tuned.