San Francisco 49ers WR1 Mike Evans exited Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals early in the second half due to a rib injury, getting carted off the field and sparking major concern. While his injury is now considered day-to-day, his potential absence in Week 4 against the Denver Broncos opens the door wide open for Deebo Samuel to step up in a huge way.
Deebo Samuel’s Snap Count Is Exploding
If Evans misses Week 4, you’ve gotta consider starting Deebo Samuel. This guy, an elite fantasy player from back in the day, has been quietly putting together some seriously promising production over three weeks. We’re talking nine receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns already. And get this, his snap share has been on a wild ride, jumping from 42% in Week 1, to 60% in Week 2, and then a whopping 76% in Week 3. If Evans is out there, that snap share is absolutely going to rocket even higher against the Broncos. The Broncos’ pass defense through three weeks is giving up the eighth-most passing yards per game in the NFL at 237.0. Plus, their last two games saw opposing WR1s rack up 98 and 137 receiving yards. That’s a green light for Samuel, Evans or not, to have a massive fantasy outing.
The Latest On Mike Evans’ Rib Injury
That cart ride off the field in Week 3 was brutal to watch, raising fears that Evans’ rib injury could be way more serious. Good news, though, it looks like it’s just a day-to-day situation. Still, the man was a non-participant in the 49ers’ practice on Wednesday, September 30. 49ers General Manager John Lynch nailed it when he said, “He is old school in his mindset, and he doesn’t want to miss… Mike will make every attempt, and we’ll see where that goes.” You know Evans wants to be out there. He even worked on the side and “gingerly played catch” at practice on Thursday, October 1, according to the Bay Area News Group beat reporter Cam Inman. That’s the kind of grit you expect, but it also tells you he is definitely not 100%.
As Week 4 kicks off, the big question is whether Evans suits up. Regardless, the stage is set for Deebo Samuel to absolutely feast against a Broncos defense that has been leaky to top receivers. This is Samuel’s chance to remind everyone why he was an elite fantasy player of old. Keep a close watch on his snap share and those target numbers this Sunday.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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