RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesSANTA CLARA, CA ― San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan reinforced the confidence he has in veteran Mike Evans and reassured the 32-year-old wide receiver will be ready when it's time to get busy.
Evans was not a participant in the 49ers' training camp practice on Aug. 8. It's just a precautionary measure for the NFL veteran who's dealing with a strained left quad entering his 13th season. The six-time Pro Bowler missed nine games last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a hamstring injury and a broken clavicle.
Before being limited due to injury, Evans put together a 1,000-yard season every year since he came into the league. Shanahan told USA TODAY Sports after practice that's the expectation for Evans coming into the season with San Francisco. But rest assured, he added that they are "being smart" with Evans and his return to practice and football activities.
"Yeah, it depends if he stays healthy," Shanahan said. "If you're a starting receiver you're out there a ton. I forget what it was last year. Maybe hamstring, where he missed time, and when that happens, you miss games."
"Mike's going to be a starting receiver here," Shanahan added. "We don't like any of our guys to go every play. We want our guys going full speed, and it's hard to go full speed, every play. ... He's got a little quad (injury) right now, which I know Mike, (he) probably believes he could be back right now. We're being smart with him, but he's going to be good to go."
Evans signed with San Francisco as a free agent during the offseason, agreeing to a three-year deal worth up to $60.4 million.
He was immediately believed to be the answer to the 49ers' inept depth at the wideout position. A true WR1, Evans tied a record set by 49ers legend Jerry Rice for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Evans recorded at least 1,000 yards in his first 11 NFL seasons. The streak was snapped last year after he missed nine game with injuries. He finished with 30 catches, 368 yards and three touchdowns in eight games played.
The Niner Faithful are hoping he returns from his low-level quad injury to be the player that terrorized the league and any defensive back that lined up against him for 11 years.
Evans won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers in February 2021. The idea is that his play can help give a boost to the San Francisco offense and give the Niners a real shot at winning one themselves, after falling short in Super Bowls 54 and 58.
The first preseason game kicks off Aug. 20 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The regular season starts Sept. 10 against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Mike Evans injury update: 49ers 'being smart' with vet's health but expect WR to be ready
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