The 49ers’ rookie flying under the radar is suddenly poised to steal the spotlight after Brandon Aiyuk’s latest update.QQ
They need to start getting him more reps.
The San Francisco 49ers have been without wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for this entire season. It seems like there is a possibility he will not play at all in 2025, which could open the door for rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins.
General manager John Lynch appeared on KNBR earlier this week and talked about Aiyuk’s status. Lynch said, “That is the intention, to get him back on the field. But we’ll see, no absolutes there. You just take it as it comes there.”
Lynch made clear the Niners want Aiyuk out there, but he also reiterated that there are no guarantees the injured wideout will return. Maybe the Niners just want to be overly cautious considering Aiyuk tore multiple ligaments in his knee in his injury last season, and maybe they also want to see if it’s even worth it to bring him back later if San Francisco is out of playoff contention at that point.
No matter what, the 49ers should give the rookie Jordan Watkins more opportunities.
He has been robbed of a chance to play most of the season due to injury, but he has been able to suit up the last few weeks even though his playing time has been limited.
Rookie Jordan Watkins desperately needs more snaps
Watkins has just two catches on three targets as he has been worked in a little bit, but he saw just three snaps on Sunday in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Looking ahead to next season, the Niners only have a few wide receivers who are likely to be on the roster. Jauan Jennings seems likely to depart in free agency, Kendrick Bourne may not be back, and Aiyuk’s onerous contract is one the Niners may be eager to offload.
Next season, Ricky Pearsall may very well be San Francisco’s top receiver by default, and it is unclear who will be the No. 2.
Watkins may end up being that guy, but the only way for that to happen is if he shows enough this season to warrant that.
We know head coach Kyle Shanahan demands a lot from his wide receivers, especially young ones. Watkins is going to need to get up to speed at some point, and with the news that Aiyuk could potentially be out the rest of this season, it seems like a great opportunity for Watkins to get in the mix.
