The San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver group faced another challenge Monday when veteran Mike Evans sat out practice with a quad strain.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the development, stating, “49ers WR Mike Evans is not practicing today due to a quad strain.”
ESPN’s Nick Wagoner also confirmed Evans’ absence from the session, though neither provided a timeline for his return.
The development arrives as the 49ers already confront significant depth issues at the position. Ricky Pearsall is expected to miss the full 2026 season after deciding on surgery for a persistent knee problem that originated as a posterior cruciate ligament injury in 2025 and caused repeated swelling in camp.
Evans joined the roster in March on a three-year agreement that can reach $60.4 million. The deal includes $14.3 million in cash for 2026 and carries a $4.25 million salary-cap hit this year.
The six-time Pro Bowl selection, listed at 6-foot-5 and 231 pounds, was brought in to supply quarterback Brock Purdy with a reliable outside presence known for size and production near the goal line.
That role gained added weight after Pearsall’s season-ending setback. Evans enters the year with 13,052 career receiving yards and posted 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns across an injury-limited 2025 campaign.
Monday’s workout also featured absences among other expected contributors. John Chapman observed that the team’s top four receivers from the start of camp — Evans, Pearsall, Christian Kirk and De’Zhaun Stribling — were all unavailable. Stribling has been managing hamstring tightness, while no specific reason was given for Kirk’s absence.
The thinning of the practice squad limits opportunities for Purdy to build timing with the players projected for major roles once the regular season begins. Additional snaps will go to younger or fringe roster candidates, yet the preferred group remains incomplete.
Evans’ absence could prove cautious rather than severe. Still, without further updates from the team, questions linger about the strain’s seriousness and whether he will be ready for preseason action.
San Francisco hosts the Tennessee Titans in its exhibition opener on Aug. 13. That contest offers the next public chance to assess the receiving corps, though the current shortage of healthy bodies gives coaches little incentive to accelerate Evans’ return.
The offseason addition of Evans was meant to stabilize a rebuilt unit alongside Deebo Samuel and Kirk.
Instead, early camp has tested the depth chart more quickly than anticipated, placing extra focus on how the remaining healthy receivers handle increased workloads while the veterans recover.
