49ers’ Mike Evans battles through rib injury in gritty win over Broncos

It was unclear whether San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans would be available for the Week 4 matchup against the Denver Broncos. In fact, head coach Kyle Shanahan had labeled him a game-time decision.

It wasn't certain Evans would suit up until the inactive list was released and his name wasn't on it.

Evans played, but it was clear he was doing so through significant discomfort. The veteran receiver finished with a game-high 76 receiving yards on five catches while being targeted eight times. That included a huge 17-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter that helped set up a 49ers touchdown.

"I know how bad ribs hurt," wide receiver Deebo Samuel told reporters after the game. "And for him to go out there and have as much production as he did today, we're definitely blessed to have him here."

Shanahan has refrained from providing many details about Evans' injury, simply calling it "a rib" issue. However, tight end George Kittle suggested earlier in the week that the injury might be more than a strain, saying, "Fractured ribs suck."

Kittle walked back those comments after the game.

"Whatever rib injury he has, because I really don't know whether it's a fracture or whatever it is, but any time you have a rib injury, it sucks," Kittle said.

However, running back Christian McCaffrey was the latest teammate to hint that Evans is dealing with one or more broken ribs while discussing the receiver's toughness.

"That's how you lead by example," McCaffrey said. "A guy like that who broke some ribs and is still out there balling, making huge plays for us, doing everything he can, sends a message to the whole team that if you want to be a guy on this team, toughness is something that is required, and it's part of the standard."

Whatever Evans is dealing with, his expressions during the game made it clear that the injury isn't minor. His pushing through the pain is a testament to his dedication to his teammates and coaches.

On Friday, Evans explained why it is so important for him to be available on game days, even while dealing with injuries.

"It's my job," Evans said. "It's my job, and I take pride in trying to suit up every chance I get. If the injury isn't unbearable and you can't play through it, then I won't play. But if there's something I can play through, I'm gonna be there for my team as best I can."

Shanahan admitted that he wasn't optimistic Evans would play against the Broncos. The coaching staff knew how much pain he was experiencing, so they tried to limit the number of hits he might absorb, though Shanahan stopped short of saying Evans was on a pitch count.

"I didn't think it was possible for him to play throughout the whole week, so in my mind, I wasn't counting on it," Shanahan said. "But he kept talking a certain way, so eventually, I started to listen. But still, a lot of guys do that. Ribs are different, and no matter how bad you want to go, it's usually too painful.

"And the way he was on Friday, just being able to go through the walk-through, and I know how much pain he was in, but he never grimaced, never changed his stride or anything, or how he was carrying himself."

Shanahan added, "It was really, really impressive today what he did."

Quarterback Brock Purdy was happy to have his veteran offensive weapon on the field, even if he wasn't at 100 percent.

"He's a dog," Purdy told reporters. "I've said it time and time again, but he's just a true pro. He gets what it takes on every Sunday, every week for a team, and just obviously what he brings to the table with being out in the field and what defenses have to do when he's out there.

"And then he's out there run-blocking still and stuff. He's the man. So, we all respect the heck out of him, and for him to go out there and do what he did and make plays like he did, was really cool.

While Evans wasn't on a pitch count against the Broncos, Purdy acknowledged that he tried to be careful with his passes to the injured receiver.

"It's definitely a thing where I'm like, all right, I want to lead him, put it on him for sure, just knowing what he's got going on with his ribs, for safeties or linebackers [not] to take shots on him," Purdy said. "Yeah, I try my best to put the ball on him, but at the same time, it is football, so I'm going to be getting hit as I throw the ball, or trying to throw and anticipate him coming out of his break, and the ball might be off a little bit. That's part of the game.

"But for the most part, I just wanted to give him a catchable ball and let him sort of protect himself as well, whether getting down or just being smart in general with the hits."

Purdy noted that Evans still wanted to do whatever he could to contribute to a victory and help the 49ers improve to 4-0.

"Kyle called a great game, and he found ways to get Mike the ball when we needed it, and Mike delivered," Purdy said.

Kittle has repeatedly shared how much he loves having Evans as a teammate, having respected the receiver's illustrious career over the years. Sunday's performance, despite the challenges, only added to that respect.

"For him to go out there and run the routes, catch the ball, get tackled, get back up off the ground, football's a hard sport," Kittle said. "You've got to play through s--t. And yeah, while ribs do suck, as long as you're not in too much danger, like it's going to puncture a lung or something, go play football. It's a painful sport."

Kittle added, "I think that's just kind of the standard that we have. If you can play, play. If you think you're going to hurt the team, don't play. But Mike Evans, I don't think is ever going to hurt the team because he's so damn good."

Tackle Trent Williams believes Evans' toughness is just one of many reasons why the receiver is a future Hall of Fame player.

"Mike can't gain more respect out of me than I already have for him," Williams said. "That's the reason why he is who he is, and he's a gold jacket guy. Everybody knows how painful ribs are, and nobody in this locker room would have blamed him if he said, 'I can't go. Too painful.' We would have expected that. But for him to go out there and put it all on the line for his teammates, I think that speaks to why he's a gold jacket guy."

The 49ers beat the Broncos 24-14 to remain undefeated and improve to 4-0, with Evans playing a part in the victory.

More info on: Mike Evans, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel, Trent Williams