Mike Evans Carted Off in 49ers Loss to Cardinals
The San Francisco wide receiver exited the game on a cart after sustaining an apparent injury to his ribs and arm.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Football
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans left Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals on a cart after suffering an apparent injury. Evans appeared to be in pain while clutching his rib and collarbone area following the incident.
Why it matters
The injury represents a significant setback for San Francisco, as Evans has a documented history of missed time due to similar structural injuries. His departure adds to a growing list of physical concerns for the team early in the 2026 campaign.
Evans is the fourth San Francisco player to be carted off the field this season. In 2025, he missed 9 games while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after suffering a broken collarbone.
The players
Mike Evans
Mike Evans is an experienced wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers who previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional football franchise based in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The details
Medical staff transported Evans to the locker room after the wide receiver knelt on the sideline clutching his right arm and torso. The injury occurred during the Week 3 matchup against the Cardinals, leaving the veteran player unable to return to the game.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: Mike Evans sustained an injury during the Week 3 game.
2025: Mike Evans missed 9 games while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Season Trajectory
This injury places immediate strain on the 49ers' wide receiver depth and complicates their early-season momentum. Following the precedent set by the 2025 Mike Evans collarbone injury, the team must now prepare for a potential multi-game absence that could shift their standing in the division.
Fantasy managers should immediately consider benching Evans as he undergoes further medical evaluation. The 49ers' passing offense will likely require increased target share for secondary wide receivers to compensate for his absence.
The takeaway
Maintaining depth at the wide receiver position is critical for teams facing injury clusters. Players with previous high-impact injuries like broken collarbones require cautious management to prevent long-term season disruptions.
Further reading
For more on roster updates and team news, visit Football.
