San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans is expected to play against the Los Angeles Rams tonight as the NFC West rivals open the 2026 NFL season in Australia.
Evans dealt with an adductor/groin injury during training camp, raising questions about whether the veteran receiver would be ready for Week 1.
However, the latest developments are encouraging for San Francisco.
So, is Mike Evans playing today against the Rams?
Yes. Evans is expected to play against Los Angeles. He was not listed with an injury designation heading into the Week 1 matchup, putting him on track to be available tonight.
Is Mike Evans Playing Today?
Mike Evans is expected to play tonight for the 49ers against the Rams.
Evans’ health had been worth monitoring after he dealt with an adductor/groin issue during training camp.
The veteran receiver has since progressed ahead of the regular-season opener and is expected to be available for San Francisco.
Barring an unexpected setback during pregame warmups, Evans should be active against Los Angeles.
The official inactive list released before kickoff will provide final confirmation.
What Is Mike Evans’ Injury?
Evans dealt with an adductor/groin injury during the lead-up to the 2026 NFL regular season.
Groin injuries can be particularly important to monitor for wide receivers because of the acceleration, cutting and change-of-direction movements required at the position.
However, Evans appears to have recovered sufficiently to play in Week 1.
His absence from the final game-status designations is a positive indication that San Francisco expects him to be available.
Mike Evans Injury Status vs. Rams
Here is Evans’ status entering the 49ers’ Week 1 matchup against Los Angeles:
| Mike Evans Week 1 Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Mike Evans |
| Team | San Francisco 49ers |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| Opponent | Los Angeles Rams |
| Game | Week 1 |
| Date | Thursday, September 10, 2026 |
| Injury Concern | Adductor/Groin |
| Expected Status | Playing |
The official inactive list remains the final confirmation of whether Evans will dress for the game.
Will Mike Evans Start Against the Rams?
Evans is expected to be available and play a significant role in the 49ers offense against Los Angeles.
His addition gives San Francisco an experienced receiving option capable of making plays throughout the field and providing a major target in the red zone.
The bigger question may be whether the 49ers manage Evans’ workload after his training-camp injury.
There has been no indication that the injury will prevent him from playing, but San Francisco could still monitor his snaps depending on how he responds during the game.
Why Mike Evans Playing Matters for the 49ers
Having Evans available gives the 49ers another major weapon in their passing attack.
Evans has built his NFL career around his combination of size, physicality and ability to make contested catches.
He can also provide a valuable target near the end zone, where his size can create difficult matchups for defensive backs.
His presence could force the Rams to account for another dangerous receiving option and potentially create opportunities elsewhere in San Francisco’s offense.
Mike Evans vs. Rams
Evans’ matchup against the Rams will be one of the storylines to watch during Thursday night’s season opener.
Los Angeles and San Francisco are NFC West rivals, making the game particularly important despite being played in Week 1.
Evans’ availability gives the 49ers another option as they attempt to begin their season with a divisional victory.
How heavily San Francisco involves him in the passing game could also provide an early indication of how the 49ers plan to use Evans throughout the 2026 season.
What Time Is 49ers vs. Rams Today?
The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams play Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:35 p.m. ET.
The international matchup opens the regular season for both NFC West teams.
Is Mike Evans Out Today?
No. Mike Evans is not expected to be out against the Rams.
Evans dealt with an adductor/groin injury during training camp, but he enters Week 1 without an injury designation and is expected to play.
Unless something changes before kickoff, Evans should be available for San Francisco.
Final Mike Evans Status for 49ers vs. Rams
The current expectation is that Mike Evans will play against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
Evans’ earlier adductor/groin issue does not appear serious enough to keep him out of the season opener.
The final confirmation will come when San Francisco releases its official inactive list before kickoff.
For now, Mike Evans is expected to play tonight against the Rams.