With Week 3 closing in, the 49ers are already dealing with another growing injury list, and that has pushed Jordan Watkins into a spot where he can finally matter.
San Francisco has lived this cycle before. Injuries have knocked the roster off course in the past, including the 6-11 season in 2024, but the team also showed it can survive the attrition and still reach the playoffs after finishing 12-5 in 2025.
This time, the receiver depth has taken the hit. Jake Tonges and De'Zhaun Stribling were supposed to be useful additions to the passing game, but one is done for the year and the other is not expected back until after the bye week. Then Demarcus Robinson went down with a high ankle sprain, and that opened the door for someone else to step forward.
That someone is Watkins, a fourth-round pick in 2025 who has barely had any real NFL run so far. He appeared in only four games last season and finished with just two catches on three targets. Now, though, he has a chance to build on that tiny sample.
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak made it clear Watkins is in line for work.
“He’s going to get some ops. It’s unfortunate why guys have to get elevated with injuries, but Jordan’s going to get his opportunities and he’s going to be called upon at some moment in these games," shared Kubiak with reporters.
"We’re going to need him. And is he ready to make the play?
Is he on his assignments on the details? Is he executing in the run game?
It’s just going to come down to Jordan going out there and playing good football and executing when his number’s called. That’s all we’re asking of him.
It’s all we’re asking of anybody.
"But it’s a good opportunity for him. He’s been working really hard.
I’m really proud of how he’s kind of approached these past few weeks of the season, just working on the scout team and getting ready to go. And he’s going to get an op here.
So, we’ll see how he plays, but I’m excited for Jordan to see him get out there.”
Watkins probably won’t be asked to carry a huge load, with the main veterans still healthy. But if he can come through with a few key grabs, he could help keep the 49ers moving.
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