San Francisco

49ers

According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, “it was unclear exactly what happened to Evans.” He got hit hard in the sternum on a catch over the middle, but remained in the game for a few plays before needing help from the training staff to get off the field. Shanahan said the team couldn’t tell if Evans broke a rib or injured his oblique, but he believes those questions will be answered tomorrow, indicating Evans will likely undergo imaging. He entered the game with a hip injury. Wagoner adds that LT Trent Williams (stinger) and LB Dre Greenlaw’s (quad) injuries “seemed less severe” than Evans’ injury.

Watkins saw increased opportunity with Mike Evans (rib) exiting in the second quarter. He caught a pair of long targets from Purdy despite KhaDarel Hodge and Jacob Cowing beating the 24-year-old in snaps. Watkins could certainly be on the fantasy radar if Evans misses an extended period of time.

Samuel’s box score will looks strange to most, but that’s what happens when Kyle Shanahan tries out a hook-and-ladder play in the first quarter. Mike Evans caught a pass from Brock Purdy, lateraling the ball to Samuel, who sprinted 80 yards downfield for the score. Despite Evans (rib) leaving the game early, Samuel technically finishes with zero targets, though he did carry the ball twice for 14 rushing yards. With his final stat-line, he sets the record for most receiving yards without a reception in NFL history. Samuel will benefit if Evans misses time and would be in the high-end WR3 range for Week 4 against the Broncos.

Kittle saw a season-high seven targets in the 49ers’ win, becoming the team’s No. 1 pass-catcher after Mike Evans (rib) left the game. He caught a 10-yard touchdown at the start of the fourth quarter and later sealed the win with a 20-yard score with under two minutes left. Kittle seems to be all the way back from his Achilles tear, leading all 49ers offensive skill players in snaps, only trailing Brock Purdy and the offensive line. With Evans’ status in the air, Kittle is the team’s top receiver and is squarely in the fantasy TE1 conversation for Week 4 against the Broncos.

Black has seen his role decrease with Christian McCaffrey returning to bell cow usage. The rookie saw four carries and one target, totaling eight offensive snaps. He saw a red zone touch but otherwise did not get close to scoring opportunities. Black is one of the most valuable handcuffs in fantasy football moving forward.

McCaffrey continued to run as the engine of the 49ers’ offense, turning 19 touches into 116 yards. He carried the ball frequently after the 49ers went up big in the first half and was a key receiver when the Cardinals attempted to stage a late-game comeback. McCaffrey scored his touchdown by jumping over a pile for a fourth-quarter goal-line score. He followed that up with a one-handed catch to keep a key drive alive late in the game. Though LT Trent Williams left with injury, McCaffrey is a big enough part of the receiving game to overcome any rushing inefficiency. He continues to be a fantasy RB1 for Week 4 against the Broncos.

The 49ers offense had another fruitful fantasy day despite injuries haunting the team once again. Purdy showcased his mobility and athleticism, often making throws on the run and scrambling out of pressure. His first score was a completion to Mike Evans, who lateraled it to Deebo Samuel for the score. Purdy then threw a more traditional touchdown to Evans later in the first half, then threw two scores to George Kittle to seal the game in the second half. Despite losing Evans and LT Trent Williams by the third quarter, Purdy was still able to gash the Cardinals defense and surpass 300 total yards. Though the offense keeps losing pieces, Purdy in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme is a fantasy QB1 until further notice.

Williams left in the third quarter, taking the cart to the 49ers locker room. The veteran left tackle was officially diagnosed with a stinger and is questionable to return. Vederian Lowe is in at left tackle with Williams out.

Evans exited in the second quarter of the 49ers’ Week 3 game against the Cardinals after taking a hard hit to the torso. The veteran entered the day questionable with a hip injury but played and had a productive day before leaving. Evans caught three passes for 34 yards and a touchdown at the time of his departure, pitching one of his catches to Deebo Samuel for a hook-and-ladder touchdown. The team ruled Evans out after halftime with a rib injury.

Evans took a major hit in the second quarter against the Cardinals, with Budda Baker jarring the veteran receiver in his torso. Trainers came out and took Evans off the field; he was seemingly struggling to breathe as he headed to the sideline. It is unclear yet what the injury is, but Evans was carted to the locker room shortly after. He had caught 3-of-6 targets for 34 yards and a touchdown at the time of his departure, with one of his catches leading to a pitch to Deebo Samuel on a hook-and-ladder touchdown.