The San Francisco 49ers were looking to add another receiver regardless of Mike Evans' injury situation, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
San Francisco acquired veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen
from the Indianapolis Colts this week, adding a productive option to a receiving corps that has dealt with multiple injuries. Evans remains sidelined with Achilles tendinitis, and Shanahan said Wednesday that the veteran is still considered week to week.But Shanahan made clear that Evans' absence wasn't the reason the 49ers pursued Allen. The team would have made the move even if Evans had been available throughout the season.
"Even if Mike was good on all eight of these games, [it] wouldn't have changed anything with trying to add another guy,"
Shanahan said.
Evans hasn't practiced since his Achilles issue flared up during San Francisco's Week 6 game against Washington. He has missed the team's last two games, and the 49ers don't have a firm timetable for his return.
The 49ers sent a 2027 sixth-round pick to Indianapolis for Allen, who has 40 receptions for 351 yards and a touchdown in eight games this season.
Allen gives the 49ers another experienced option as they navigate injuries. Deebo Samuel Sr. was limited in Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury, meaning his return could be soon. Evans is still out, though, as is rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. That leaves Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing and Brandin Cooks as the only fully healthy receivers on the roster before the Allen deal.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers injury issues didn’t play role in trade for Keenan Allen
