49ers' Jordan Watkins: Should have opportunity for larger role
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Watkins could take on a significant role Sunday against Atlanta with Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel (hamstring) both sidelined, Brooke Evans of the 49ers' official site reports.
Watkins already saw a big jump in participation this past Monday versus Washington, tallying a season-high 76 percent offensive snap share in Samuel's absence. However, he drew just one target, which he caught for a 22-yard gain. Now that Evans will also be out of action, Watkins seems likely to be deployed often again Sunday, though Brandin Cooks and Jacob Cowing should also get opportunities to step into larger roles. Finally, Christian Kirk (calf), who is currently on IR, may be activated ahead of the matchup versus Atlanta, and he could also factor into the equation in what would be his 49ers debut.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Only one catch in Monday's win
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Watkins caught his lone target for 22 yards during the 49ers' 23-17 win over the Commanders on Monday.
Watkins connected with Brock Purdy on a 22-yard pass early in the second quarter, and all three of the former's catches this season have been for 20-plus yards. Watkins' 47 offensive snaps ended up leading all 49ers wide receivers, and the second-year pro's role in the passing game could expand in Week 8 against the Falcons on Oct. 25, depending on the availability of Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel (hamstring).
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Light role in season debut
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Watkins recorded two receptions for 60 yards on two targets in Sunday's 36-30 win over the Cardinals.
Making his 2026 debut after he was a healthy inactive for the 49ers' first two contests, Watkins took the field for 15 of the team's 54 offensive snaps and was able to make a mark with 34- and 26-yard grabs. He still finished fifth among 49ers receivers in playing time, but he could see an uptick in opportunities if the rib strain Mike Evans suffered Sunday prevents him from playing Week 4 against the Broncos.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Won't play Thursday
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Watkins (coach's decision) is officially inactive for Thursday's game against the Rams, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
After flashing during the preseason, Watkins will be a healthy scratch to begin the regular season. Presumably, veterans Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel and rookie second-rounder De'Zhaun Stribling will see the lion's share of the 49ers' snaps at wide receiver in Week 1.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Leads all players in receiving Thursday
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Watkins caught four of eight targets for 64 yards in Thursday night's 18-12 preseason win over the Raiders.
Watkins did come down with only half of his game-leading eight targets, but the consistent attention may offset the lack of consistency. The wide receiver was the favorite target of both Mac Jones and Adrian Martinez in the contest. Watkins also returned two kicks for 48 yards and two punts for 14 yards. The 2025 fourth-rounder's versatility was on full display in Thursday's preseason finale, and he has likely confirmed a roster spot for the beginning of the 2026 regular season.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Active for MNF
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Watkins is active for Monday night's game against the Colts.
With Ricky Pearsall (knee) back on the shelf, Watkins is getting the nod Monday night. Watkins has appeared in three games this season, recording a pair of catches for 26 yards.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Inactive against Cardinals
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Watkins (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Briana Jeannel of the 49ers' official site reports.
A new inactive, the wide receiver failed to record a reception in Week 10. Watkins' new status is likely to be related to the return of 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, who is set to start his first game since Week 4.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: No targets against Rams
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Watkins was limited to three snaps on offense (five percent) and did not garner a target in Sunday's 42-26 loss to the Rams.
Watkins was held without a reception for the first time in the three games since returning from a calf injury. The fourth-round pick has watched his targets dwindle from two to one before finishing with zero in Sunday's loss. That is a concerning trend for those hoping the rookie would carve out a role for the injury-depleted 49ers this season. Watkins is off the fantasy radar for next Sunday's tilt against the Cardinals.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Another one-catch outing Sunday
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Watkins hauled in his only target for 19 yards in Sunday's 34-24 win over the Giants.
Watkins nabbed another reception in his second appearance of the season after injuries delayed the start of his professional career. The fourth-round rookie logged just eight snaps on offense (12 percent), a role too small for anyone to generate reliable fantasy value in. Head coach Kyle Shanahan historically has not trusted rookie receivers in larger roles, so Watkins' snap count should remained capped against the Rams next Sunday.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Inactive Sunday night
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Watkins (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday night's matchup with the Falcons.
The rookie wide receiver is a healthy scratch even with Ricky Pearsall still out due to a knee injury. Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, Demarcus Robinson and Skyy Moore are leading the 49ers' wide receiver depth chart for this game. Watkins was a possible candidate for punt return duties, but it appears that Moore will handle that role instead.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Could make pro debut
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Watkins does not have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Falcons, Briana Jeannel of the 49ers' official site reports.
Watkins has dealt with a calf injury since Week 3 but will enter game day without an injury designation. He was a healthy scratch in Weeks 1 and 2, so there's no guarantee he'll be active. However, Watkins could have a chance to suit up with Rickey Pearsall (knee) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (calf) both ruled out for Sunday's matchup.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Limited participant again
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Watkins (calf) was a limited participant in practice for the second day in a row Thursday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
Watkins appears on track to play Sunday against the Falcons after missing the first six games of the season. If he can suit up, he might get snaps, too, as Jauan Jennings (ankle/rib/shoulder, LP), Ricky Pearsall (knee, DNP), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (calf, DNP) and Skyy Moore (ankle, LP) are all listed on the 49ers' Week 7 injury report, while Kendrick Bourne and Demarcus Robinson are San Francisco's only healthy options at the position. The Ole Miss product went in the fourth round of the draft in April after tying for the SEC lead in touchdown catches with nine last year.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Back on practice field
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Watkins (calf) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
Watkins has missed the entire regular season up to this point as he's been recovering from a high ankle sprain, but it now looks like he's nearing a return to game action. He'll have two more chances to upgrade to a full practice before San Francisco releases its final practice report of the week Friday.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Remains sideined
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Watkins (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
Watkins will miss his fourth straight game and has yet to practice in any capacity since suffering the calf injury. He has yet to play this season after being a healthy scratch early in the campaign.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Misses practice Thursday
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Watkins (calf) did not participate at practice Thursday, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
Watkins remained unavailable for practice Thursday, as he continues to nurse the calf injury that he suffered in early September. The wide receiver will have one more chance to return to practice before Sunday's matchup with the Buccaneers.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Not yet practicing
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Watkins (calf) was a non-participant in Tuesday's walk-through practice.
Watkins hasn't practiced in any fashion since Sept. 18 and appears likely to miss a third straight game due to injury Thursday against the Rams. The fourth-round rookie wideout previously missed Week 1 while recovering from a high ankle sprain, then was a healthy inactive for Week 2 before injuring his calf in practice.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Ruled out for Week 4
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Watkins (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Jaguars.
Watkins was unable to practice at all during the week, and he will now be forced to miss a second game in a row due to a calf injury. The wide receiver has yet to make his NFL debut, so his absence should not have an impact in Week 4.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: No practice Wednesday
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Watkins (calf) did not practice Wednesday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
Watkins is reportedly dealing with a serious calf injury, as it was previously reported that he could be a candidate for injured reserve. That said, he hasn't been ruled out for a Week 4 matchup against the Jaguars at this point.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Limited in Thursday's practice
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Watkins (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
Watkins opened the week with back-to-back limited practices due to an ankle injury that prevented him from playing against the Seahawks in Week 1. The rookie fourth-rounder would avoid an injury tag heading into Sunday's contest against the Saints if he were to practice without limitations Friday. Watkins' availability would be crucial for the 49ers if Jauan Jennings (shoulder) is not cleared to play Week 2.
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49ers' Jordan Watkins: Back at practice Thursday
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Watkins (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
The rookie fourth-rounder is working through a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the 49ers' preseason game against the Broncos in early August. He didn't practice Wednesday, but his ability to practice in a limited capacity Thursday indicates that he is progressing in his recovery. Friday's practice report will provide added clarity on his status heading into Sunday's regular-season opener against Seattle. If he's cleared to play, Watkins could see a fair number of snaps on offense if Jauan Jennings (calf) is sidelined.
