The 49ers have problems at the wide receiver position again with Ricky Pearsall dealing with an ankle injury and an aggravation of the knee problem that has seen him miss much of the season. Yet Pearsall’s potential absence appears unlikely to create an opportunity for rookie wideout Jordan Watkins.
Fourth-round pick Watkins has dealt with injury issues of his own this season, and has seen limited action since returning from a calf problem. An impressive 19-yard reception against the New York Giants suggested he could crack the lineup and earn regular playing time, but Watkins has been inactive for each of the last four games.
In addition to Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Demarcus Robinson, Kendrick Bourne and Skyy Moore are ahead of Watkins on the depth chart.
Pearsall perhaps being inactive against the Indianapolis Colts could open an opportunity for Watkins. However, speaking in his Monday conference call, head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated Watkins is not close to being trusted enough to receive regular snaps on offense.
“Jordan needs to show out on the practice field that he is better than the guys in front of him,” Shanahan said. “And it’s really tough with these guys when they’ve missed so much time, but he’s been out here for a little bit, getting back in shape, and doing a good job in practice.
“But we’re going to play the top guys, and he’s still working to show that he’s one of those.”
The spot in which Watkins finds himself is a familiar one for young wide receivers under Shanahan. We have been here before several times with wideouts who, like Watkins did in training camp and his sole preseason game prior to injury, showed significant promise early, only to then find themselves on the bench for most of the season.
In this instance, Shanahan’s stance is understandable. The 49er passing game is performing well and, with San Francisco in the thick of the playoff race, it makes sense that Shanahan is not willing to rely on a largely untested rookie.
Watkins is a very intriguing player, one who offers speed, route-running prowess and reliability at the catch point. Yet, unless the 49ers’ Week 18 game with the Seattle Seahawks proves a meaningless one in which both teams can rest starters, it looks as if he will have to wait until next season for significant action.
Brandon Aiyuk’s likely departure and the potential exit of pending free agent Jennings may free up more opportunities for Watkins and fellow (2024) fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing, who has yet to play this season because of injuries.
But for now the 49ers are rolling with the experience they have at wide receiver. Watkins being made to wait is typical of Shanahan and, while his reluctance to play rookies has been a source of frustration in previous years, in this case it makes sense.
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