Despite missing multiple training camp practices and preseason games in his first offseason with the 49ers, Mike Evans downplayed the injuries ahead of opening week, calling them insignificant. To which he appeared right, hauling in six of his 7 targets for 49 yards and a touchdown, finishing with 16.9 PPR points in his team debut.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: WR2 Production Is in Play
With five of Evans’ six catches coming on third down, including his TD at the beginning of the third quarter, he proved to be the safety blanket Brock Purdy needed.
Evans is coming off the lowest scoring season of his 12 year career, posting just 10.6 PPR points per game. But his 23.2% target share, which ranked 14th among all WRs last season, hints that a bounce-back is well within reach.
That's true even if he's joining a new offense for the first time.
Evans drawing a 20.6% target share in Week 1, with Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle all active, further hints that WR2 production is in play for the veteran WR.
