San Francisco’s 3-0 start on Sunday came with a heavy price tag. Three of the 49ers’ best starters — Mike Evans, Dre Greenlaw and Trent Williams — were carted off the field with injuries that looked serious in real time. But coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Monday that none of the injuries appear to be long-term, and all three have a shot at playing Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
What Happened on Sunday
A rib injury forced Evans to leave the field on a cart, breathing hard as he went. Williams exited with a stinger in his neck, likewise on a cart. Greenlaw suffered a quad contusion early in the fourth quarter and seemed to be in considerable pain.
Shanahan described the trio as “kind of in the same boat.” Their injuries are not considered long-term, but they will need to be evaluated and managed throughout the week. The coach said the 49ers are aiming for all three to suit up against the Broncos.
Who Looks Most Likely to Play
Of the players mentioned, Williams looks to be the most likely to suit up on Sunday. He addressed reporters after the game and played down the stinger in his neck. The coach said the 38-year-old offensive tackle is aiming for Thursday practice.
Greenlaw exited Sunday’s game, then returned, then was shut down after one play. He dealt with a quad issue last season in Denver, though it is unclear if his current contusion is to the same leg. Evans, meanwhile, is dealing with a “rib issue.” Shanahan would not clarify the extent of the injury, but reports from ESPN and NFL Network indicate he is considered day-to-day with a rib strain.
Return Outlook by Player
| Player | Injury | Return Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Evans | Rib strain | Day-to-day |
| Dre Greenlaw | Quad contusion | Unclear leg; one play |
| Trent Williams | Neck stinger | Target Thursday practice |
| Mykel Williams | Torn ACL | Week 5 possible |
| Romello Height | Broken hand | Expected to practice |
Other Injury News
Two injured players brought good news to the 49ers. Mykel Williams, a defensive end recovering from a torn ACL, may return to action as soon as Week 5, when the team faces the Seattle Seahawks. A 2025 first-round pick, he would provide a significant lift to the 49ers’ thin defensive front with his ability to play both inside and outside.
Rookie defensive end Romello Height, who had surgery on his broken hand last Tuesday, is “expected to practice this week,” Shanahan said.
Sunday’s game won’t feature two players who were ruled out because of injury. Nick Bosa, the defensive end, is sidelined with a calf and knee issue, while James Thompson Jr., the defensive tackle, sits out with a high ankle sprain. Neither will be available for the contest.
The Bottom Line
The return of several important players gives San Francisco a significant advantage heading into its matchup with the Denver Broncos, who managed a hard-fought victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football. However, it remains only Week 4, which means the 49ers need to be cautious about how they handle each of their veteran stars.
The 49ers don’t expect long-term absences for Mike Evans, Trent Williams, Dre Greenlaw. That is the headline, and it is good news for a team that has started fast while losing three starters in one game. The week ahead will determine whether the boat stays the same or takes on water.
Source material: “49ers don't expect long-term absences for Mike Evans, Trent Williams, Dre Greenlaw,” Yahoo Sports.
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