Rapoport: 49ers’ Mike Evans will have to manage Achilles tendinitis for much of the season

After Monday night's win over the Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that veteran wide receiver Mike Evans is dealing with Achilles tendinitis.

"It's something that he's had before," Shanahan said. "It's something that bothered him throughout the week. So, when you have Achilles tendinitis like he does, it kind of is what it is. It flared up tonight, and I hope he recovers throughout the week, but you don't think it's a long-term thing."

Evans exited the game in the second quarter and did not return, appearing visibly uncomfortable as he headed to the locker room.

The 49ers have not ruled Evans out for their Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. However, with a short week of preparation, his availability is worth monitoring. If San Francisco can manage without him for a game, Evans would have additional time to recover with the team's bye week following the Atlanta matchup.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that Evans' Achilles tendinitis is an issue he and the 49ers will likely have to manage for much of the season.

"Mike Evans not being able to finish the game was a big deal for the San Francisco 49ers," Rapoport said on ESPN. "Went three-and-out, three-and-out, three-and-out. Big reason why was they could not throw it to this guy.

"Now, the word was initially at the game, out because of an Achilles. That is like the worst thing you can say. It's not that. It is Achilles tendinitis that Mike Evans is essentially dealing with, which is something he's going to continue to deal with. It is something that he's going to have to manage for the better part of the season.

"It is brutal. It does sometimes mean that it leads to other serious injuries. We'll continue to watch that."

The Achilles issue kept Evans out of practice throughout last week. Despite the concern, the veteran receiver played against Washington, catching three passes for a game-high 94 receiving yards before exiting with the injury.

"It was a pretty close call in terms of that he wasn't able to go all week," Shanahan said. "But just talking to Mike, just something he's dealt with in the past in his career, and he felt confident he'd be good today, so that was the confidence he gave me, but we knew he might not be able to last."

The 33-year-old Evans is in his 13th NFL season and his first with the 49ers. His health will be a key storyline as San Francisco prepares for its Week 7 matchup against the Falcons.

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