The San Francisco 49ers are making moves at wide receiver, and the timing tells you everything you need to know about where things stand with Mike Evans.

ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reported that the 49ers signed veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the active 53-man roster. San Francisco brought wide receiver Malik Turner back to the practice squad to fill that spot. Then Adam Schefter reported that the 49ers subsequent move was to release wide receiver Kha’darel Hodge.

There isn’t necessarily anything concrete that would say that Evans will not suit up on Sunday against the Broncos; only suspicion based on the practice report. With that being said, it looks likely that Evans will miss this matchup.

Mike Evans’ practice status is worth monitoring closely

Now, this is where it gets important. Evans, who is dealing with the rib injury he suffered against the Arizona Cardinals, did not practice on Thursday. Wagoner reported that Evans, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and defensive lineman Keion White were all working on the side. They will likely show up as limited on the practice report.

Friday’s practice is going to tell us a lot. Evans was slated to be day-to-day with the rib injury, but the fact that San Francisco went ahead and elevated Cooks to the 53-man roster suggests the 49ers might not be expecting him to play. And even if Evans does suit up on Sunday against Denver, I think there’s a real chance he’s on a pitch count rather than handling his usual workload.

If Evans is anything other than a full participant on Friday, I wouldn’t expect him to go against Denver, hence the elevated opportunity for Brandin Cooks. 

What Brandin Cooks brings to the table

Look, Cooks is not the player he once was, but he’s far from completely washed. The veteran was drafted back in 2014 and is now in his 13th NFL season. He posted six seasons of 1,000 yards or more during his career, though the most recent one came in 2021. Since then, he hasn’t cracked 700 yards in a single season, and his production has certainly dipped. 

But here’s the thing. Cooks brings veteran experience to the room, similar to what Evans himself provides. He may not have Evans’ talent or ability at this stage, but he understands scheme and knows how to get open for his quarterback. That kind of presence can greatly help out Brock Purdy, who has been on fire lately. Plus, if anything, we have certainly learned that Kyle Shanahan can make it work with whatever personnel he has available on the field. 

The bottom line on Sunday

I’d expect Evans to either sit out Sunday’s game against the Broncos entirely or suit up on a limited snap count. Either way, having Brandin Cooks on the active roster gives the 49ers a safety net at wide receiver. Friday’s practice will be the real tell. If Evans is a full participant, maybe we’re overreacting. If he’s limited again or sits out entirely, Cooks is going to have a role on Sunday. 

How big of a role, who knows? Maybe it’s only 10-20 snaps, or less, or a starting spot. Either way, him and his veteran experience will be out there. Maybe he can make a play or two for San Francisco in what is maybe their toughest test yet.