Mike Evans leaves 49ers-Commanders with Achilles injury

Michael Nowels, The Mercury News on Oct 19, 2026

Published in Football

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Mike Evans departed the San Francisco 49ers’ game against the Washington Commanders Monday night before halftime with an Achilles injury, further depleting a wide receiver corps that was already thin.

The free-agent signee was seen stretching his lower legs shortly before his final catch of the half. On the play in question, Evans looped behind Washington linebacker Sonny Styles after lining up in the slot and caught a low pass from Purdy. His knee slammed into the turf, but he was not hit on the play.

He stayed down a few seconds, then got up with a hand from Commanders defenders and walked to the 49ers’ locker room with a team trainer. He was ruled out for the game just after halftime.

Evans was questionable to play Monday in the first place with Achilles tightness and rib issues. He has played through rib pain the last several weeks after fracturing several ribs.

Already missing were Ricky Pearsall (season-ending knee surgery), Demarcus Robinson (ankle), Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and Christian Kirk (calf).

The six-time Pro Bowl receiver had three catches for 94 yards in the first half before leaving the game, including a 54-yard catch-and-run.

Evans, 33, was a key to the 49ers’ win last week in Seattle, connecting with Brock Purdy for 75 yards on a single fourth-quarter drive to help swing the game. He was clearly playing through pain in that game, and continued to look ginger Monday at Levi’s Stadium.

Evans came to the 49ers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason on a three-year, $42.4 million contract. He entered Monday’s game with 24 catches for 326 yards and three touchdowns.

Washington also lost its top receiver in the game as Terry McLaurin went down clutching his knee late in the first quarter running a route along the left sideline. He was carted off the field to the Commanders’ locker room.

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