The 49ers have dealt with more upheaval at the wide receiver position this week, with veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling released from injured reserve after suffering a calf injury.
With Ricky Pearsall still waiting to return from a knee issue, the 49ers are severely lacking in wide receivers on whom they know they can rely.
But their paucity of options at the position may give a belated opportunity to an exciting rookie who is finally healthy.
The 49ers got fourth-round rookie Jordan Watkins back from a calf injury this week, putting him in line to make his debut in primetime as San Francisco faces the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football.
Injuries have kept Watkins out since his extremely exciting preseason debut, in which he hauled in a 50-yard reception from Mac Jones.
Typically, the chances of Watkins receiving much action on offense after such a lay-off would be low. However, with the level of injuries and the departure of a speedster in Valdes-Scantling, there is a possibility Watkins could have an interesting role to play.
Watkins’ selling points are his 4.3 speed, his route-running craft, and his strong hands.
Valdes-Scantling’s departure has left Demarcus Robinson as only other deep threat for the 49ers outside of Watkins. As such, there is merit to the idea of getting Watkins on the field immediately to stretch the field in an effort to not only push the ball downfield, but also create more favorable looks for the run game with the explosive play threat the former Ole Miss star can provide.
In addition, Watkins’ speed could make him a useful weapon for the run game who could operate in a role similar to that of Deebo Samuel.
Asked about how Watkins could change how defenses play the 49ers because of his speed, Kyle Shanahan said on Friday: “It depends on what they do. You know, he hasn’t been out there yet in an NFL game, so I don’t think people really care until you make a play like that.
“I thought he’s come back from his injury well, had a real good week of practice, looks like he’s healed, he’s gotten in shape and had a good week. So, we’ll see if he’s up.”
The prudent move for the 49ers would to be make sure Watkins is up to make a long-awaited debut.
San Francisco isn’t in a position to be picky when it comes to explosive playmakers at receiver, and the best way to make defenses respect the threat from Watkins is to give him a chance to make those big-time plays. It is in the 49ers’ best interests to at least provide him with some opportunities to do so in primetime.
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