Mike Evans, the 49ers’ star wide receiver, is officially a game-time decision for Sunday’s showdown against the Broncos, and get this: he’s planning to play through injured ribs that he himself described as feeling like “somebody stabbed me in my chest.” The guy just wrapped up a limited practice on Friday, but the pain sounds absolutely brutal.
Playing Through The Pain, Again?
Evans isn’t even sure when exactly this rib injury went down, only that it “didn’t feel good.” He said it was “non-contact,” explaining, “It might have happened before, but when I ran a route, and I turned, I just felt it, like, ‘Ah!’ Felt like somebody stabbed me in my chest.” He’s a tough dude, though, acknowledging the training staff and doctors “did a good job of getting me off the field and making sure I was good.” His plan for Sunday is to suit up with a built-in compression shirt, complete with padding, to protect those busted ribs. This isn’t his first rodeo playing hurt, either; he’s powered through similar stuff before.
Shanahan’s Brutal Honesty About Evans’ Grit
Even 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, who knows a thing or two about rib pain after breaking his own in a car wreck this summer, is in awe of Evans’ resilience. Shanahan, who is now recovered, said, “Mine are good now, but it’s been two months, and I would not be questionable. I would be out, without a doubt.” He didn’t mince words, adding, “But he’s definitely a lot tougher than me, so hopefully we’ve got a shot.” Talk about a vote of confidence! Meanwhile, the 49ers are also ruling out defensive linemen Nick Bosa (knee/calf) and James Thompson Jr. (ankle) for the Broncos game.
So, for Sunday’s game against the Broncos, the focus is squarely on whether Evans can truly grit this out. It’s one thing to want to play, it’s another to perform when every breath probably feels like a jab. His determination is off the charts, but the question remains: how effective can he actually be, and what does this mean for his long-term health? We’ll find out what he’s got come game time.
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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