Jordan Watkins looked like he might have carved out a real role for the San Francisco 49ers in his season debut against the Arizona Cardinals. With injuries cutting into the wide receiver room, the rookie delivered in Week 3, catching two explosive passes for 60 yards and doing a strong job as a blocker.
Since then, though, the production has vanished. Watkins hasn’t added another catch, largely because the targets haven’t come his way. Despite the encouraging debut, he has settled into the background of the offense.
Kyle Shanahan doesn’t see it that way.
“He's just gotten more opportunities since his injuries and keep doing what he's doing," Shanahan said. "Guys just run routes and sometimes the ball goes to them, sometimes it doesn't.
His opportunity percentages go up with the guys that have been hurt. He was backing up Deebo last week and Mike at times.
We had Cooks doing the same. But, when guys go out, you get more opportunities.”
That explanation fits the situation on paper, but Shanahan also controls the offense and the play calls. If Watkins is going to be a bigger piece, the path starts with more routes and more chances.
Against the Seattle Seahawks, Watkins ran only eight routes. Brandin Cooks, who arrived less than a few weeks ago, ran 12.
That gap says plenty about where Watkins stands in the pecking order right now.
There is at least one possible way to read Watkins’ sudden usage against Arizona: maybe Shanahan wanted to see how he responded after Watkins asked him for more playing time. Whatever the reason for the increased work, Watkins did not hurt himself. Shanahan has continued to speak highly of him.
"We've been really happy with how he's played in these games. I think he's earned a lot of respect in these three games and with us it doesn't have to do with the stats. I know he's had two catches and stuff in his first game, and those are two really good plays, but because he hasn't had any in the other two games doesn't really mean much to us."
Still, the usage tells the story. Watkins may be respected, but he isn’t being featured.
And unless the 49ers get desperate at receiver, that doesn’t look likely to change soon. Even with Deebo Samuel out, there’s no clear sign Watkins is about to become a regular option as a pass catcher anytime this season.
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