Evans’ Achilles issue was lingering soreness, Shanahan says

Kyle Shanahan said after San Francisco's 23-17 win over Washington that Mike Evans left because the Achilles soreness he had been managing during the week flared up. The 49ers coach said he did not expect Evans to need additional testing and would see how he felt during the week.

Evans was ruled out early in the third quarter after catching three passes for 94 yards in the first half.

Evans left with 1:10 remaining in the second quarter, following a 16-yard reception from Brock Purdy. ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported that Evans tried to stretch his right leg after the catch, then needed help from medical personnel to get up and walk toward the locker room.

The 49ers initially said he was questionable to return. ESPN's Adam Schefter relayed that first update:

Shanahan described the problem as the same soreness Evans had dealt with before kickoff. His postgame comments did not establish a return timetable or a designation for San Francisco's next game.

Evans had entered the game with rib and Achilles injuries after missing practice throughout the week. The 49ers listed him as questionable on their final injury report, then made him active Monday. His availability allowed Purdy to keep one of his established receiving targets on the field despite other absences.

The receiving group was already without Deebo Samuel Sr., who was ruled out with a hamstring injury, and Christian Kirk, who was unavailable because of a calf injury. Malik Turner had been elevated from the practice squad for the game.

Wagoner identified Jordan Watkins, Brandin Cooks, Jacob Cowing and Turner as the healthy receivers remaining after Evans' exit. Evans' three catches had already accounted for 94 yards before he left, including a 54-yard gain on San Francisco's second touchdown drive.