The San Francisco 49ers are just four days away from officially kicking off their season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, and all eyes are on the status of new wide receiver Mike Evans.
Evans has dealt with a multitude of injuries since the beginning of training camp as he enters his age-33 season. The future Hall of Fame wide receiver first dealt with a quad strain in early August before more recently suffering an adductor injury.
The constant injury news left many fans and analysts worried about just how healthy Evans is entering his first season with San Francisco. However, during his media availability today, the six-time Pro Bowler gave a blunt assessment of his status entering Week 1.
“I know I’m an older player,” Evans said. “I’ve had probably over a thousand football practices in my life now, so I know what I’m doing out there. They know what they’re doing. They did a good job taking care of me. None of my injuries were significant, so if it was a game week, I wouldn’t have missed any time.”
Evans’ unperturbed assessment should ease the minds of 49ers fans, especially after he made it clear that none of his injuries would’ve forced him to miss any time.
Evans provided even more reason for optimism during San Francisco’s practice in Melbourne on Monday, taking the field with the rest of the team, per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. Just how much he participated will become clearer when the 49ers release their first injury report of the season later today.
The last thing San Francisco needs right now is another injury to one of its star players. Running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa are all working through injuries of their own as they look to be ready for Week 1.
While the next couple of days will determine just how many of those players suit up, Evans’ comments today give the 49ers one less thing to worry about as the season officially begins.
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