Mike Evans injury update: Will the 49ers WR play vs. the Broncos? - Niners Wire

Mike Evans's tenure with the San Francisco 49ers has been defined by injuries.

In training camp he missed time with quad and groin issues. He left the 49ers' Week 2 win vs. the Miami Dolphins with a hip issue. Then he left their Week 3 win vs. the Arizona Cardinals with a rib injury.

It's unclear exactly when Evans suffered the injury, but he pulled up on a route in the second quarter against Arizona and appeared to be struggling to breathe before being taken to the locker room on a cart. Now the 49ers enter a tough contest vs. the Denver Broncos with their No. 1 WR's status up in the air.

Evans didn't participate in Wednesday or Thursday's practices. He returned Friday and was limited, which led to him receiving a 'questionable' designation on the Week 4 injury report. There was no change to his status Saturday which means he's still a gametime decision.

If Evans has anything to say about it, he will.

"It's my job," he told reporters, via ESPN. "I take pride in trying to suit up every chance I get. If the injury isn't unbearable and you can't play through it, then I won't play. But if there's something I can play through, I'm going to be there for my team as best I can."

Shanahan on Monday said the 49ers would have to manage Evans throughout the week, which led to his pair of absences and one limited practice. Friday he was asked about dealing with broken ribs after suffering that injury in an offseason car accident.

"Mine are good now, but it's been two months and I would not be questionable," Shanahan said. "I would be out without a doubt. But, he's definitely a lot tougher than me, so hopefully we’ve got a shot.”

It's slim pickings in a beat up 49ers receiving corps. If Evans is out, we'll likely see Brandin Cooks and Deebo Samuel as the 49ers top two WRs. Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins will also see some time. Cooks was promoted to the active roster in the lead up to Week 4 which is an indicator the 49ers are ready to involve the veteran they signed in the lead up to Week 3.