Akayleb

Evans

Akayleb Evans will miss his second consecutive game for the Vikings, who also did not activate wide receiver Justin Jefferson from injured reserve. Minnesota is nearing full strength as they head to the final third of the season looking to maintain their position in the NFC playoff picture.

The Vikings will keep their secondary intact with Evans active against the 49ers. Both Evans and Byron Murphy are likely to be busy attempting to contain Brandon Aiyuk but get a slightly more manageable task with Deebo Samuel set to miss the next two games, at minimum. Inactive for the Vikings are G Ezra Cleveland, S Lewis Cine, CB NaJee Thompson, TE Nick Muse, LB Andre Carter, and OT Hakeem Adeniji.

Evans suffered his third concussion of the season in Week 13. He will now miss at least four games. The rookie cornerback made his second start of the season last week. His absence thins out the ranks of an already-depleted secondary.

It’s Evans’ second concussion since Week 10. The rookie cornerback was replaced by Duke Shelley. Evans noted on Twitter that he was “feeling good,” but it wouldn’t be surprising if he missed Week 14.

Evans was already replacing Cam Dantzler, so Minnesota is deep in its cornerback depth chart now against the Bills. Second-round pick Andrew Booth will be getting his first real reps against Stefon Diggs and company.

The Browns got pick No. 156 and a 2023 fourth-round pick. Evans (6’2/197) played four seasons with the Tulsa Hurricanes before transferring to Mizzou for 2021. Over his first four seasons, he played in 30 games, starting 23 of them. He missed nine contests in 2019 due to a shoulder injury and earned a medical hardship. Over 1,307 snaps those four years, Evans’ highest PFF grade was 73.1 while accumulating six pass breakups and no interceptions. He improved in 2021 with the Tigers with one interception, four pass breakups, and a PFF grade of 74.6 over 597 snaps. Evans has the size and speed to thrive in zone coverage with the ability to recover and strength to win at the catch point. However, his lack of ball skills and fluidity will likely prevent him from being a long-term starter in the league.