49ers beat Commanders 23-17 as Evans exits with injury

San Francisco defeated the Washington Commanders 23-17 on Sunday, improving its record while contending with the loss of wide receiver Mike Evans in the first half. Evans left the game after aggravating an Achilles injury, having recorded three receptions for 94 yards before his exit.

Quarterback Brock Purdy completed 17 of 22 passes in the first half, posting a 122.2 passer rating, but his production declined after Evans' departure, completing four of seven attempts in the second half and taking two sacks. The 49ers' running back Christian McCaffrey contributed two touchdowns but also lost a fumble and averaged 4.0 yards per carry. Tight end George Kittle made a 35-yard catch early in the third quarter but was otherwise limited after Evans left.

The team's wide receiver group struggled without Evans, with Brandon Cooks and Jordan Watkins each catching one pass and Jacob Cowing none. The offensive line allowed two sacks, while the defensive line recorded four sacks on Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels and limited the Commanders to 3.1 yards per carry. Linebacker Jaden Dugger led the defense with 11 tackles, filling in for the suspended Dre Greenlaw. Defensive backs gave up several big plays, but safety Malik Mustapha made key contributions late in the fourth quarter.

Special teams missed an extra point, and punt returner Jacob Cowing muffed a punt near his own goal line. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was praised for the defensive game plan but faced criticism for offensive play-calling after the injury. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 73 percent of his passes, posting a 110.4 passer rating.