Who Should I Start? Mike Evans or Josh Downs


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 Dealing With Groin Injury

Tuesday, August 25, 10:40 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (groin) did not practice Tuesday, according to Matt Maiocco. Evans has dealt with a few interruptions during his first training camp with San Francisco, including a quad issue earlier this month, but he had returned to full participation and was back working in team drills. The groin injury is the latest concern with the regular season getting closer. Evans joined the 49ers this offseason after spending his first 12 NFL seasons in Tampa Bay. He was limited to eight games last year, catching 30 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns. The 33-year-old is expected to have a sizable role in San Francisco's passing game alongside the rest of its revamped receiver group. There is no timetable attached to Tuesday's absence, so his practice status over the rest of the week will be worth watching.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.3 0.5 0.0 4.3 44.6 0.2

Josh Downs News

Josh Downs Misses Practice With Undisclosed Injury

Tuesday, August 25, 12:28 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (undisclosed) did not take part in Tuesday's training camp practice due to an undisclosed injury, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. It is unclear what Downs is dealing with at the moment and how long he might be out, but details on his situation should emerge sooner rather than later. The Colts were also missing tight end Tyler Warren (groin) and receiver Alece Pierce (ankle), who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list. The 25-year-old Downs has stood out this summer in practices as the team's WR1 without Pierce available, so if his latest injury isn't serious, he will have an opportunity for the biggest role he's had on offense in his short time in the NFL with the Colts. Downs disappointed in Year 3 in 2025 with career lows in catches (58), targets (88), and receiving yards (566) while scoring four times in 16 games played. But with Michael Pittman Jr. out of town and Pierce potentially being eased back early on, Downs could get off to a strong start and never look back. Consider him an under-the-radar WR3/flex target in upcoming fantasy drafts as RotoBaller's No. 39-ranked receiver in 2026.


Mike Evans vs. Josh Downs

Still trying to decide between Evans and Downs? 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 Josh Downs is projected to score 10.3 points.