Mike Evans plays through two broken ribs as 49ers reach 5-0

Mike Evans has been playing through two broken ribs while helping the San Francisco 49ers start the season 5-0, The Associated Press reported. The receiver broke the ribs during the Week 3 win over Arizona and stayed in the lineup against Denver and Seattle.

Evans caught seven passes for 113 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s 32-29 win at Seattle. He scored on a two-yard catch from Brock Purdy on the opening drive and later caught a two-point conversion after Purdy found Brandin Cooks for a seven-yard fourth-quarter touchdown.

Evans credited the 49ers’ training staff with helping prepare him to play despite the rib injury, according to the team’s postgame report. He said he planned to contribute when available and noted that other teammates were also playing through injuries.

The conversion put San Francisco ahead 29-26 before Seattle tied the game with a field goal. The 49ers then reclaimed the lead on Eddy Piñeiro’s late field goal. This was Evans’ first game in the rivalry after he spent his first 12 NFL seasons with Tampa Bay.