We'll learn more about San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans' status for Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons when head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks to reporters after Friday's practice.
Evans missed practice Wednesday and Thursday while dealing with Achilles tendinitis, which forced him to exit Monday night's game against the Washington Commanders in the second quarter.
On Thursday, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak discussed the 49ers' approach if Evans cannot play in Atlanta.
"Guys got to step up," Kubiak said. "The guys who've been rolling in there these past few weeks and who've been working. The young guys who've been working since camp, that we've been seeing their growth and development. It's a big moment for those guys."
Veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk could make his 49ers debut, with a return from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game. Kirk is returning from a calf injury that kept him out of training camp and the start of the regular season.
The 49ers also added veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who continues to build chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy.
"Yes, they have to learn the playbook because they're new," Purdy said, "but it's nice just their veteran presence of they're going to be ready come game time. We've seen that with Brandin Cooks, him jumping right in and being ready for his moment and stuff like that.
"Obviously, I'm excited to get Christian Kirk out there now. But the nice thing for me is, yeah, we have guys down, but we have some vets that are actually stepping up and have been in this moment before."
If Evans is sidelined, the 49ers could also turn to young wide receivers Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing for increased opportunities against the Falcons. The two have combined for just four receptions this season.
Kubiak expressed confidence in the available receivers, regardless of Evans' status.
"If Mike's not able to go, then guys got to step up, and we have full confidence in them," Kubiak said. "Mike's a heck of a player, and he's been huge for us this year, but we're very confident in the people that we have going right now, and they've all been working.
"They've all been straining to prepare, to get better every week, and I'm excited to see who can step up."
More info on: Brandin Cooks, Jacob Cowing, Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, Brock Purdy, Jordan Watkins
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