Mike Evans could not hold back while describing his rib injury, he revealed that it felt like a ‘stabbing’ pain.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans didn’t hold back when describing the severe rib injury he suffered during Week 3. Known throughout his NFL career for playing through physical punishment, the veteran receiver provided a brutally candid account of the exact moment his torso gave out.
“That s**t hurt bad, it was like non-contact. It might have happened before, but I ran a route, and I turned, I just felt it like I felt someone stabbed me in the chest, but it’s cool,” Evans said.
Mike Evans on his rib injury:
“That shit hurt bad. … Felt like somebody stabbed me in the chest.”
Via: @harrisonrich_ pic.twitter.com/BX4pJM2CF2
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) October 2, 2026
The agonizing moment occurred during the second quarter of San Francisco’s 36-30 victory against the Arizona Cardinals. Before exiting to the locker room, Evans made an immediate impact on the field, hauling in three receptions on six targets for 34 yards and a touchdown. That scoring grab marked his second touchdown through his first three games with the 49ers, bringing his early-season totals to 12 catches for 137 yards.
Despite the alarming pain, Evans credited San Francisco’s medical staff for acting quickly and taking care of him off the field. Reports initially classified the injury as a rib strain, though teammate George Kittle highlighted the physical toll by openly admitting that “fractured ribs suck” while praising Evans’ willingness to compete.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan listed Evans as a game-time decision for Week 4 against the Denver Broncos. Shanahan admitted he would personally sit out for months with a similar injury, marveling at his receiver’s legendary toughness. Evans remains determined to suit up if his body allows it, insisting that if an injury is manageable, he will always stand by his teammates. Whether he plays against Denver or rests, Evans has once again proven why he is one of the toughest wideouts in football.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans didn’t hold back when describing the severe rib injury he suffered during Week 3. Known throughout his NFL career for playing through physical punishment, the veteran receiver provided a brutally candid account of the exact moment his torso gave out. “That s**t hurt bad, it was like non-contact.