Story perspectives

49ers Sign Mike Evans, Add Kirk as Coach Recovers

7/28/2026

Summary

49ers Add Receivers

The San Francisco 49ers signed veteran wide receiver Mike Evans and added wide receiver Christian Kirk, raising competition for young receivers.
Rookie second-round pick De'Zhaun Stribling earned praise from offensive line coach Chris Foerster and was called a great route runner and strong receiver by quarterback Brock Purdy.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, recovering from a car accident that left him with 40 stitches and a concussion, briefly appeared at practice.

Summary

49ers Injury Update

Vederian Lowe, Gracen Halton and Andrew Farmer will miss practice indefinitely because of a high-ankle sprain, a knee bone bruise and a back condition evaluation.
Romello Height was carted off after severe cramps while Nick Bosa participated only in limited drills as he continues his recovery.
Assistant head coach Chris Foerster has taken over many of Kyle Shanahan’s duties, delegating daily responsibilities to Raheem Morris, Klay Kubiak and Brant Boyer.

History

Historical Context

After Steve Young’s career-ending concussion in 1999, the 49ers rebuilt a depleted offense, a pattern echoed earlier in 1998 when Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens and J.J. Stokes each recorded over 60 catches—the first trio to do so. The franchise’s habit of reinforcing the receiving corps during injury-hit years dates back to the 1994 free-agent surge that helped win Super Bowl XXIX.

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49ers Add Receivers

The San Francisco 49ers signed veteran wide receiver Mike Evans and added wide receiver Christian Kirk, raising competition for young receivers.
Rookie second-round pick De'Zhaun Stribling earned praise from offensive line coach Chris Foerster and was called a great route runner and strong receiver by quarterback Brock Purdy.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, recovering from a car accident that left him with 40 stitches and a concussion, briefly appeared at practice.

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