Overview
- The 49ers say Evans, who has missed time in camp with a quad strain and hamstring tightness, intends to play the Week 1 opener in Melbourne despite a groin issue the club calls minor.
- Coach Kyle Shanahan has described the groin problem as not serious and hopes Evans will return to practice before the team departs for Australia.
- San Francisco has used controlled reps and planned rest for Evans and other veterans to balance short-term availability with protecting players for the regular season.
- The wide receiver room remains thin after summer setbacks to Christian Kirk, a season-ending PCL injury for Ricky Pearsall, and a cautious ramp-up for Deebo Samuel, which could force the 49ers to adjust early-game targets and depth plans.
- Several injured contributors, including Nick Bosa, Jacob Cowing, Upton Stout, Robert Jones, Austen Pleasants, Kurtis Rourke, and George Kittle, are expected or hoped to rejoin practice next week, a development that would ease roster strain if it occurs.