49ers wide receiver Mike Evans exits game with rib injury

San Francisco wide receiver Mike Evans was forced to leave the contest after taking a hard hit while catching a pass in the second quarter. He walked off the field in pain, was assisted to a medical cart and taken to the locker room for evaluation.

The 33-year-old, who has been among the NFL's top receivers when healthy, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, missing significant time last year with a hamstring strain, concussion and broken collarbone, and also missing games the prior year due to a hamstring issue. The 49ers hope he can recover quickly from the rib injury.

The team also dealt with cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, who was evaluated for a possible concussion early in the game but returned in the second half after clearance. Despite the setbacks, San Francisco continued to lead the Arizona Cardinals 17-6 in the third quarter.