Who Should I Start? Mike Evans or Brian Thomas Jr.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
11.6 0.0 0.0 3.8 53.6 0.4

Mike Evans News

Mike Evans Back at Practice

Wednesday, September 2, 11:33 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (groin) returned to practice Wednesday, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Evans had been sidelined since leaving an Aug. 18 joint practice with the Chargers early and was later listed with groin tightness. Kyle Shanahan said earlier this week that Evans was ahead of schedule in his recovery and could get back on the field before the team left for Australia. That happened Wednesday, although it remains to be seen how much work Evans handled. The 33-year-old signed a three-year deal with San Francisco this offseason after spending his first 12 seasons in Tampa Bay. He was limited to eight starts last year, catching 30 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns. Getting Evans back into practice is a good step with the 49ers set to open the season against the Rams on Sept. 10.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.3 1.0 0.0 3.4 51.1 0.3

Brian Thomas Jr. News

Brian Thomas Jr. a Full-Go in Tuesday's Practice

Wednesday, September 2, 5:57 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder) was a full-go in Tuesday's practice as he prepares for Week 1's matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Thomas fell awkwardly on his shoulder during a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but head coach Liam Coen expressed no concern about his availability for the regular season. After a monster rookie season in 2024, Thomas struggled, hauling in just 48 of 91 targets for 707 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games, dropping from 14.1 points per game to 8.2 in 2025. Now with Parker Washington having a great camp and Jakobi Meyers still expected to receive volume, Thomas is a far riskier option in 2026.


Mike Evans vs. Brian Thomas Jr.

Still trying to decide between Evans and Thomas Jr.? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Mike Evans is projected to score 11.6 points this week while Brian Thomas Jr. is projected to score 10.3 points.