49ers' Mike Evans questionable, game-time call vs. Broncos in Week 4

Mike Evans was limited in Friday's practice after sitting out two sessions with a rib injury and remains a game-time decision for Sunday's game against Denver.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans is listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 4 game against the Denver Broncos, and his status did not change on Saturday, leaving him a game-time decision with a rib injury. His availability for the matchup will not be settled until close to kickoff.

The rib problem dates to San Francisco's Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The exact moment Evans was hurt is unclear, but he slowed abruptly on a route during the second quarter, appeared to have difficulty breathing and was taken to the locker room on a cart.

Evans did not practice Wednesday or Thursday as the week began. He returned as a limited participant on Friday, which produced the questionable tag on the final Week 4 injury report. With no adjustment to that status on Saturday, the decision now extends to game day.

Evans addressed his outlook when speaking with reporters, and his comments, via ESPN, made clear he intends to play through pain when possible. "It's my job," Evans said. "I take pride in trying to suit up every chance I get. If the injury isn't unbearable and you can't play through it, then I won't play. But if there's something I can play through, I'm going to be there for my team as best I can."

Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Monday that the 49ers would have to manage Evans throughout the week as he dealt with the injury, a plan that amounted to two missed practices and one limited session ahead of the Broncos game.

On Friday, Shanahan was asked about playing through broken ribs, an injury he experienced himself in an offseason car accident. "Mine are good now, but it's been two months and I would not be questionable," Shanahan said. "I would be out without a doubt. But, he's definitely a lot tougher than me, so hopefully we've got a shot."

The rib issue is the latest in a string of setbacks for Evans since he arrived in San Francisco. He missed time in training camp with quad and groin issues, exited the Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins with a hip problem, and was then forced out again the following week in Arizona, making it two straight games he could not finish.

Receiver depth is thin for the 49ers behind him. If Evans cannot play, Brandin Cooks and Deebo Samuel would line up as the top two wideouts, with Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins also in position for playing time. Cooks was promoted to the active roster ahead of Week 4, a signal that San Francisco intends to work in the veteran it signed in the days before Week 3.

Denver visits San Francisco on Sunday, October 4, at Levi's Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 PM EDT, and the game will be broadcast on CBS.