Kyle Shanahan dropped some news on Monday that’s gotta make you grit your teeth if you’re a fan of, well, *football*. Mike Evans, their veteran receiver, is dealing with a hip injury that Shanahan said will “have to be managed this week.” Seriously? After all the other injury woes, this is what they needed?
Evans’ Exit and What ‘Managed’ Really Means
Evans leaving Sunday’s 35-13 victory over the Dolphins in the second half wasn’t just a precautionary move, even if it might have seemed that way. He didn’t return to the game, period. Postgame, Shanahan tried to play it cool, saying the injury didn’t look serious and that Evans *could* have gone back in if the game was tighter. But let’s be real, “managed this week” for a veteran wideout and a hip injury is never good news. It screams limited practice, maybe a snap count, or even worse, a surprise inactive designation. This isn’t just a bump or bruise; it’s something they’re actively working around. For a guy like Evans, who’s so crucial to their offense, that’s a huge question mark hanging over the next game.
The Injury Bug Is Hitting Hard, And IR Slots Are Dwindling
And Evans isn’t the only concern for the 49ers. Not by a long shot! Defensive lineman Romello Height has a broken hand that needs surgery, though there’s an outside chance he could still suit up for Week 3. What about receivers Demarcus Robinson and defensive tackle James Thompson Jr.? Both of those guys are staring down high-ankle sprains. That’s a brutal injury for anyone, especially skill position players. Robinson is a candidate for injured reserve, with the hope he might come back later. But here’s the kicker, and this is where it gets really gnarly: Shanahan admitted they’re running out of slots for players who can actually return from IR. Talk about tight margins! Plus, defensive lineman Mykel Williams is still on the physically unable to perform list and won’t even start practicing this week. The injury report is getting longer than a novel, and the team’s depth is about to be tested big time.
The coaching staff is going to be scrambling to piece together a roster for the upcoming week. This isn’t just about one player; it’s about the entire team’s health and how they navigate these crucial early regular season games. Let’s see how they manage all these setbacks and try to stay competitive.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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