49ers WR Mike Evans sits out Thursday practice with rib injury, expected back vs. Seahawks

San Francisco’s receiving group faced a new question mark on Thursday when wide receiver Mike Evans did not practice. The development followed a lighter session a day earlier, with Evans listed as a limited participant on Wednesday before the 49ers held him out of Thursday’s work.

According to the report, Evans had already been playing through the problem, a rib injury that affected him but did not keep him off the stat sheet. In the game referenced in the report, Evans caught five passes for 76 yards, showing that the team’s concern is tied to managing the injury rather than to performance alone.

The timing matters because the practice week is often when teams make the most important adjustments for Sunday’s plan, especially around routes, timing, and physical readiness. A player sitting out an entire practice does not automatically rule him out for game day, but it does add uncertainty about his full workload in the days immediately leading up to kickoff.

Still, the report indicates Evans is expected to play this Sunday against the Seahawks. That expectation is significant for the 49ers because wide receivers who are cleared for game action can influence how offensive coordinators structure play calls, particularly early in games when timing routes and option throws are installed.

From a team-building standpoint, Evans’ status also affects how San Francisco distributes targets during the week of preparation. Even if a receiver is on track to play, being limited earlier and then sitting out later can lead coaches to monitor snaps and intensity, which may create more opportunities for other pass catchers if there is any caution involved with his rib.

Thursday’s report is also a reminder of how injuries can change week-to-week in the NFL. Rib issues are often managed with day-to-day decisions that weigh pain tolerance against the risk of aggravation, and practice participation is one of the few public indicators fans get before a final inactives decision.

With Sunday’s opponent in view, the next thing to watch is whether Evans returns to practice on Friday or remains limited, which would help clarify his readiness. If the 49ers list him fully or with an increased participation level, it would align with the expectation that he can handle a normal role against Seattle.