On Monday, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided a few injury updates. Mike Evans’ rib injury “shouldn’t be long-term,” as the team evaluated him throughout the week.
It’s unlikely that we’ll see Evans in Week 4, which means Brock Purdy and the offense will be missing the 6’5″ wideout who was objectively the biggest threat in the passing game.
The 49ers will work out wide receivers throughout the week. They can also elevate Brandin Cooks from the practice squad. You’re not going to
ask 5’10” Brandin Cooks to do the same tasks as Evans, which is why it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Niners bring in bigger bodies at the position. Because for now, KhaDarel Hodge at 6’2″, 210 pounds is the closest body type to Evans on the roster.
According to Aaron Wilson, the first wideout we know that the Niners are bringing in is Brady Boyd, listed at 6’1″, 195 pounds. Boyd was an undrafted free agent from the 2026 NFL Draft. He put on a show at Utah State’s Pro Day in March.
Boyd had a 40″ vertical jump with a 10-foot-10 broad jump, and ran a 4.45 40-yard dash. His vertical jump would’ve been tied for sixth at the NFL Combine, and his broad jump would’ve been eighth — and three inches further than the 11th-placed De’Zhaun Stribling.
Boyd played 83 offensive snaps for the Jaguars, and played four snaps on special teams in the preseason. Boyd only had five targets in the preseason, catching two of them for 23 receiving yards.
He lined up at “X” and ran the type of routes you’d imagine somebody with his athletic ability would: high, intermediate crossing routes to stretch the field horizontally. So, it’s no surprise that the 49ers are interested.
Boyd’s first reception was a 19-yard curl route, which tells you the defense needed to respect his speed (granted, this came against a cornerback who did not make the Saints roster). But his usage outweighs the result here, and it tells us what the 49ers are looking for.
A small corner of the internet is begging for Jauan Jennings to return in a trade. The 49ers would not be able to operate offensively the way they have to begin the year with Jennings on the field. Players like Boyd and Cooks’ speed make a difference and open up the field.
The Niners also worked out defensive back Sam Webb, per Wilson.
Webb played 134 snaps across seven games for the Browns in 2025. He was targeted 12 times, allowed nine completions for 90 yards, and had a pass breakup. Webb was flagged for two penalties and also missed two tackles with Cleveland.
Starters Renardo Green and Deommodore Lenoir were both in the concussion protocol in Week 3. This could be precautionary, or for down the line if there are injuries at cornerback.
