49ers’ Rookie Redshirts: A Closer Look at San Francisco’s Quiet First-Year Contributors
The San Francisco 49ers entered the 2025 season with a deep and talented roster, which meant their 11-player draft class was always going to face an uphill climb for immediate playing time. And while a few rookies have carved out roles, several others have spent most - or all - of the season on the sidelines. Whether it’s due to injury, depth chart logjams, or developmental timelines, a handful of first-year players have essentially had what amounts to a redshirt year.
Let’s break down the rookies who’ve seen limited action so far and what it could mean for their futures in the Bay.
WR Jordan Watkins: A Delayed Start
The 49ers used a fourth-round pick on wide receiver Jordan Watkins, hoping to mold him into a reliable depth piece behind their top pass catchers. But a preseason injury quickly derailed that plan, and Watkins has struggled to find his footing since.
He’s been active for just three games, logging two catches for 26 yards on three targets. That’s a small sample size, but it’s clear Watkins hasn’t yet earned the trust of head coach Kyle Shanahan - and that’s no small hurdle. Shanahan is notoriously cautious when it comes to leaning on rookie receivers, preferring proven veterans who understand the nuances of his offense.
With Ricky Pearsall back in the rotation and playing well, Watkins has been a healthy scratch in recent weeks. But here’s the thing: Watkins is one of the few wideouts the team has under contract for next season. So while his rookie year has been quiet, there’s still a real opportunity for him to earn a bigger role down the line - especially if the 49ers want to get a head start on evaluating their 2026 receiving corps.
RB Jordan James: A True Redshirt Year
Running back Jordan James, a fifth-round pick this year, hasn’t played a single snap. His season was essentially over before it began, thanks to a training camp injury that sidelined him indefinitely.
The 49ers haven’t needed to rush him back. Christian McCaffrey continues to be a workhorse, and Brian Robinson has proven to be a solid No. 2 option. Even Isaac Guerendo - a fourth-round pick from 2024 - has been limited to special teams duty and hasn’t seen any offensive snaps.
It’s fair to wonder how the front office views the investment in both Guerendo and James, given that neither has contributed in the backfield. But the reality is this: San Francisco has the luxury of patience. They didn’t need to force the issue with either rookie, and James will enter 2026 with a full offseason to get healthy and compete for a role.
QB Kurtis Rourke: Development Mode
Kurtis Rourke’s redshirt status was expected. The quarterback was coming off a knee injury late in his college career, and the 49ers drafted him with a long-term view in mind.
Now that his practice window has opened, Rourke will finally get a chance to throw some live reps - and that’s where things get interesting. With Brock Purdy locked in as the starter, the bigger question is what San Francisco plans to do with backup Mac Jones. Rourke’s performance in practice could influence that decision heading into the offseason.
He’s not expected to see game action this year, but the next few weeks on the practice field could be pivotal in shaping the team’s quarterback depth chart in 2026.
Other Quiet Rookies Worth Noting
Junior Bergen, a seventh-round pick, was drafted with the idea that he could contribute as a return specialist. But after an underwhelming training camp and preseason, the 49ers pivoted quickly, trading for Skyy Moore - who’s been a bright spot in the return game. Bergen hasn’t been able to carve out a role since.
Nick Martin, a third-round linebacker, has seen some playing time - but only out of necessity. With injuries piling up at the position, Martin was pressed into action, though his defensive snaps have been limited.
It’s been more of a “quasi-redshirt” year for him. The team hasn’t leaned on him heavily, but he’s at least gotten a taste of NFL speed.
Looking Ahead
This rookie class may not have made a splash in 2025, but that doesn’t mean it’s a lost group. Injuries have played a major role, and the 49ers’ depth has allowed them to slow-play the development of several picks.
The real evaluation will come next year. With contracts expiring and roster turnover inevitable, players like Watkins, James, and Rourke could find themselves in much more prominent roles in 2026. For now, they’ve had the chance to learn, recover, and prepare - and sometimes, that’s exactly what a young player needs to get ready for the long haul in the NFL.