San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan dropped some tough news this week, confirming star wideout Mike Evans’ rib injury “shouldn’t be long-term,” but it’s “unlikely” we’ll see him on the field for Week 4. That’s a huge blow for Brock Purdy and the offense, because Evans is undeniably their biggest threat in the passing game. Now, the Niners are scrambling to fill those shoes, and they’re looking for speed, big-time.
The Scramble for a New Threat
With Evans out, the 49ers don’t exactly have a like-for-like replacement just sitting around. They could elevate Brandin Cooks from the practice squad, but at 5’10”, he’s not doing the same things Evans does out there. KhaDarel Hodge, at 6’2″ and 210 pounds, is the closest body type they’ve got on the current roster. But it sounds like they want more, which is why they’re working out other wide receivers this week. They need someone to stretch the field, to command respect from the defense, and open things up. That’s where Brady Boyd comes in.
The Utah State Speedster Who Turned Heads
Aaron Wilson broke the news that Brady Boyd is the first wideout the Niners are bringing in, and you gotta see this kid’s numbers. Listed at 6’1″, 195 pounds, Boyd was an undrafted free agent from the 2026 NFL Draft. But don’t let “undrafted” fool you. He absolutely went off at Utah State’s Pro Day back in March, posting a ridiculous 40-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-10 broad jump, and blazed a 4.45 40-yard dash. Seriously, that vertical would’ve tied for sixth at the NFL Combine, and his broad jump would’ve been eighth overall, a full three inches further than De’Zhaun Stribling’s 11th-placed mark. The Jaguars gave him 83 offensive snaps and four special teams snaps in the preseason, where he caught two of his five targets for 23 yards. He lined up at “X” and ran those high, intermediate crossing routes, exactly the kind of field-stretching plays you’d expect from a guy with that kind of athletic ability. His first catch was a 19-yard curl route, even against a corner who didn’t make the Saints roster, it screams respect for his wheels. This usage shows exactly what the 49ers are hunting for: a player with serious speed to open up the field, just like they need with Evans sidelined. Forget the internet chatter about Jauan Jennings, the Niners need speed, and Boyd’s got it.
Defensive Back Depth, Too
The Niners weren’t just looking at offensive help this week. Per Wilson, they also worked out defensive back Sam Webb. Webb played seven games for the Browns in 2025, racking up 134 snaps. He allowed nine completions on 12 targets for 90 yards and had one pass breakup, but also picked up two penalties and missed two tackles. With Renardo Green and Deommodore Lenoir both in concussion protocol after Week 3, this could be a precautionary move or a look ahead for depth at cornerback down the line.
For Week 4, it’s all eyes on who steps up for the 49ers. With Evans out, the offense needs a jolt, and guys like Brady Boyd could be getting a golden ticket to show what they can do. It’s a huge opportunity for anyone looking to make a splash.
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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