San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos and will be a game-time decision, coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday. Evans returned to practice on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday because of a rib injury suffered during last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Evans spoke publicly about the injury for the first time on Friday and acknowledged that he is not certain exactly when it occurred. He said he did not feel anything significant until he turned while running a route in the second quarter, describing the sensation as feeling like someone had stabbed him in the chest. He also recalled taking a big hit from Cardinals safety Budda Baker earlier in the game but said he felt that contact more in his head than around his ribs.

Still, Evans said he intends to do everything possible to suit up against Denver. He has experience playing through a rib issue, having dealt with one in November 2022 while with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was limited in practice before facing the Seattle Seahawks that season and finished with five receptions for 54 yards in a 21-16 win.

For Sunday, Evans said he plans to use a compression shirt containing built-in padding rather than a flak jacket. He identified adequate protection around the injured area and allowing additional time to warm up as important factors in playing with a rib injury.

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Evans has made an immediate impact during his first season with San Francisco, recording 12 receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns. The 49ers promoted veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the active roster this week after signing him to the practice squad last week, providing additional depth if Evans cannot play.

Shanahan has some personal understanding of Evans' situation after suffering three broken ribs in a car accident in July.

San Francisco also ruled out defensive linemen Nick Bosa, James Thompson Jr. and Mykel Williams. Keion White, Dre Greenlaw and Jaden Dugger remain questionable, while left tackle Trent Williams has no injury designation after leaving last week's game with a stinger. Shanahan also relayed that Christian Kirk is not expected to return next week from injured reserve, although Week 6 remains a possibility.