The San Francisco 49ers moved to 6-0 on Monday night but it came at a cost with wide receiver Mike Evans suffering a recurrence of the Achilles problem that had prevented him from practising last week. The 49ers edged out the Washington Commanders 23-17 but it was a game of two halves. The first saw Evans and running back Christian McCaffrey cause havoc but the formers departure late in thesecond quarter saw a swing in momentum as the Commanders hit back.Evans has struggled with tendonitis in his right Achilles for some time but his absence left the Niners without a key offensive option. The race is on now to try to get him fit for Sundays game with the Atlanta Falcons.Its something that hes had before, San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said. Its something that bothered him throughout the week. When you have Achilles tendinitis like he does, it kind of is what it is.I hope he recovers throughout the week, but you dont think its a long-term thing, but right now it ended up costing him two quarters and hopefully hell be able to play next week, but if not, well have to have the rest of the group step up and hopefully get him healed up by after the bye week.Evans injury another blow for depleted San FranciscoSan Francisco have arguably over-performed this season given they are also without fellow wideouts Ricky Pearsall (knee), DeZhaun Stribling (ankle), Demarcus Robinson (ankle), Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and Christian Kirk (calf).Kirk is the closest to returning but it is not an ideal situation for the NFC South leaders.Its tough, especially also on a short week, Shanahan said. Its what you got practice squad guys for. Well see how our guys heal up. Weve got enough guys in our building, so well put a plan together and see how it goes.Commanders also lose key man in McLaurin The Commanders had their own injury worry with Terry McLaurin carted off with a potentially serious knee problem.McLaurin went down in the first quarter after changing direction sharply when running a route.The wide receiver has a team-high 230 yards receiving, with one touchdown, this season but the fear is he could now be out for a while.Hes a brother to me. It sucks, Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels said. You see how hard he works Praying for Terry. Hes been there for me through a lot since I came into this league, the adverse times I went through last year and so far this year, and hes been right by my side. I love Terry and appreciate him a lot.The Commanders are now 1-4-1 after succumbing to two touchdowns from McCaffrey while Niners QB Brock Purdy went 21-of-29 for 264 yards and officially became the highest-rated passer in NFL history after reaching the 1,500-attempt threshold to qualify. His 105.6 rating is ahead of Lamar Jacksons 102.7. Topics San Francisco 49ers Washington Commanders If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read NFL Sunday Week 5 Round-Up: Jaguars stun Eagles in London as Patriots crush Raiders and Giants draw with Commanders Mitch Fretton 11th October, 2026 San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks: Preview, prediction and odds Mitch Fretton 10th October, 2026 NFL Week 5: Unbeaten 49ers face sternest test as Eagles seek to arrest slump in London Nicholas McGee 8th October, 2026 NFL Week 4: Chisms stunning catch gives Patriots win over Bills, Eagles collapse against Rams Nicholas McGee 4th October, 2026 NFL Sunday round-up: Commanders stun Seahawks as Steelers beat Bengals in dramatic finish Cian Cheesbrough 27th September, 2026 Washington Commanders @ Dallas Cowboys: Preview, prediction and odds Nicholas McGee 17th September, 2026
