49ers receiver Mike Evans exits game with rib injury

San Francisco wide receiver Mike Evans was forced to leave the second quarter of the Sunday game against the Arizona Cardinals after a collision with Cardinals safety Budda Baker. Trainers helped him off the field and he was subsequently carted to the locker room, where medical staff diagnosed a rib injury and ruled him out for the rest of the contest.

Evans, 33, had entered the game despite being listed as questionable because of a hip injury sustained in the previous week’s matchup. He contributed three receptions for 38 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, including a pass that was lateraled to teammate Deebo Samuel for an 82-yard scoring play.

The 49ers have dealt with multiple injuries to their receiving corps this season, including Evans’ earlier absences from training camp due to a quad strain, foot injury and pulled groin, as well as a recent hip issue. Head coach Kyle Shanahan praised Evans in a Friday press conference, saying the player has been “everything as advertised as a person and a player.”

The loss adds to the team’s existing concerns at the wide-receiver position as the 49ers lead their NFC West rivals 17-6 at halftime.