Jordan Watkins
Wide Receiver
Jordan Watkins News
Jordan Watkins Worth Waiver Adds After Week 10
San Francisco wide receiver Jordan Watkins is a rising fantasy asset after what he's done over his past two games. He went for 56 yards on three receptions and six targets in Week 7 against Atlanta, then caught all four of his targets for 86 yards and a score against the Raiders in Week 9. He has played more the past three games with the 49ers dealing with a bevy of injuries to offensive players. The more time that Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles), Christian Kirk (knee) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) miss, the more valuable Watkins becomes. It's worth noting that Watkins' role could be wiped away with the return of even a couple of those wide receivers though. Watkins is still worth adding in more fantasy leagues going into Week 10. He's a solid deep-league starting option for now, and could become a standard league streaming threat if several Niners miss the game against the Cowboys, which is a very favorable fantasy matchup.
Nov 10, 2026 5:28 AM EST
Jordan Watkins Takes Advantage of Expanded Role
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins made the most of his expanded role during Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old saw a bigger role with Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) both sidelined this weekend. Watkins hauled in all four of his targets for 86 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Raiders. His biggest play of the day came on a 37-yard touchdown in the third quarter. He set a new career-high in receiving yards with his performance on Sunday. His fantasy value for next week will likely be dependent on whether Evans or Samuel can suit up for the Week 10 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Nov 8, 2026 5:20 PM EST
Jordan Watkins A Deep League Dart Throw
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins saw a season-high six targets with Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) inactive in Week 7. The latter two receivers have again been ruled out for the 49ers' upcoming game against the Raiders, as has Christian Kirk (knee). Watkins' snap share has been trending upward amid the many recent injuries to the 49ers' wide receiver corps. He led the group with a 76% snap share in each of their last two games and, since Week 4, has seen the most total snaps. While he seems to have leapfrogged Brandin Cooks and edged out Jacob Cowing on the depth chart, Watkins is still working behind Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, and the team is likely welcoming back Demarcus Robinson (ankle) from the IR on Sunday. The on-field opportunity and soft matchup against an abysmal Las Vegas secondary make Watkins a desperation dart throw for deep league fantasy managers, but he is a bench stash at best in most leagues.
Nov 7, 2026 1:09 AM EST
Jordan Watkins Worth a Speculative Add After Encouraging Usage
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins saw an uptick in usage in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons before their Week 8 bye. With both Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel sidelined, Watkins played 75% of snaps, ran 30 routes, and saw six targets, catching three for 56 scoreless yards. He led the 49ers wide receivers in both targets and air yards (101 yards for a 34% share) against Atlanta. He is the definition of an explosive playmaker who has turned just six receptions on the season into 138 yards, an average of 23 yards per reception. But with both Evans and Samuel expected back in Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders, his fantasy appeal has dropped significantly and should only be stashed in deeper leagues where his value could once again skyrocket with any more injuries to the 49ers' receiving corps.
Nov 3, 2026 4:50 AM EST
Jordan Watkins Is a Stash-Only After Week 8 Bye
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins is a speculative stash in deeper leagues, not a priority add in standard 12-team formats, because the Week 8 bye arrives just as several injured receivers could return. He has played 76% of the offensive snaps in consecutive games and led San Francisco's wideouts with 50 offensive snaps in Sunday's 29-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, catching three of six targets for 56 yards, including a 35-yard gain. He also nearly scored a 23-yard touchdown before the catch was overturned following review. Still, his past two appearances have produced just four receptions for 78 yards on seven targets. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Mike Evans (Achilles), Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring), and Demarcus Robinson (ankle) could return after the bye, while Christian Kirk (calf) made his season debut Sunday. Watkins has earned more opportunities during the team's injury troubles, but the competition could substantially reduce his workload by Week 9.
Oct 27, 2026 7:17 AM EST
Jordan Watkins Steps Into a Larger Role on Sunday Afternoon
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins caught three of his six targets for 56 yards during Sunday's Week 7 loss against the Atlanta Falcons. He almost had a touchdown catch, too, but it was reversed to an incompletion upon replay review. Watkins stepped up as one of Brock Purdy's favorite targets with so many injuries across the receiver room, including Mike Evans (Achilles), Deebo Samuel (hamstring), De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle), and Demarcus Robinson (ankle). The 24-year-old has now played 76% of the offensive snaps in each of his last two games, but that trend may not continue going forward. The 49ers have a bye in Week 8, giving players like Evans and Samuel a little extra time to get healthy. Christian Kirk, who returned from injured reserve Sunday but wasn't targeted, will also have a full two weeks to get back up to NFL speed so that he can contribute when the Niners return to action in Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Assuming Watkins falls off the No. 1 role going forward, he can be avoided in most fantasy football leagues.
Oct 25, 2026 8:52 PM EST
Jordan Watkins Continues Climbing Depth Chart Amid WR Injuries
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins saw his snap share jump to 76% in Week 7, double that in each of his previous two games. Deebo Samuel Sr.'s (hamstring) absence and Mike Evans' (ribs, Achilles) early departure paved the way for more time on the field. That didn't translate to increased production (Watkins saw just one target, good for a 22-yard reception), but the substantial increase in playing time outdid that of Brandin Cooks and Jacob Cowing, the latter of whom actually saw his snaps decrease. In Week 7, the 49ers face the Falcons, who have given up the most receptions and seventh-most half-PPR points to wide receivers this year. Watkins will contend with Cooks and, if he is cleared to play, Christian Kirk (calf) for targets behind Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. As such, he projects as a WR5 who is best left as a deep-league dart throw for Week 7.
Oct 24, 2026 1:32 AM EST
Jordan Watkins a Name to Look for on Waiver Wires as Next Man Up
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins caught two passes in Sunday's win over the Cardinals, matching his total from his 2025 rookie season, and he could be thrust into a featured role in a Niners offense that continues to impress despite a growing list of injuries. Veteran Mike Evans (ribs) is considered day-to-day with the rib strain that knocked him out of Sunday's victory, allowing Watkins to turn his two receptions into 60 yards. Quarterback Brock Purdy is playing at an MVP level, and if Evans is unable to suit up against the Broncos, Watkins could feature heavily in two-receiver sets alongside Deebo Samuel Sr., making the 2025 fourth-round pick one of the week's top short-term adds.
Sep 29, 2026 9:25 AM EST
Jordan Watkins Makes His Final Case In Busy Preseason
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins saw a team-high eight targets in Thursday's 18-12 win over the Raiders. Watkins had four receptions for 64 receiving yards, gained 27 rushing yards on three carries, and handled two kickoffs and two punts for a total of 62 return yards in the preseason finale. A fourth-round selection in the 2025 draft, Watkins appeared in just four games last season but saw a healthy amount of work in this year's preseason, racking up 13 receptions for 164 yards on 22 targets. Despite the long look, he is unlikely to have an impact in fantasy with Mike Evans (groin), Deebo Samuel Sr., and De'Zhaun Stribling (shoulder) at the top of the depth chart, and Christian Kirk, Demarcus Robinson, and Jacob Cowing also jockeying for playing time. Watkins can safely be ignored in fantasy drafts.
Aug 28, 2026 12:39 AM EST
Jordan Watkins Expected to Resume Practicing This Week
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins (calf) is expected to resume practicing this week, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Watkins, a fourth-round selection back in April's NFL draft, has yet to make his NFL debut in 2025 due to a calf injury. It's been a major theme for the Niners so far this year as they continue to struggle with injuries, mainly to their offense. Watkins has been unable to take advantage of opportunities created by injuries to receivers Jauan Jennings (ribs) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) and tight end George Kittle (hamstring). It remains to be seen how much of a role the 23-year-old will have once he gets past his calf injury, but by then, the team's other primary pass-catchers might also be fully healthy. For now, Watkins is only a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper leagues.
Oct 14, 2025 3:35 PM EST
Jordan Watkins On The Mend?
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins (calf) was seen running on a side field at the team's first practice of the week on Monday. The rookie's NFL debut has been delayed, first by a preseason high ankle sprain and more recently by a calf injury. In Week 2, he was cleared to play but ended up as a healthy scratch. Since then, Watkins logged one limited practice in Week 3 but did not practice at all ahead of Weeks 4 and 5. A more thorough understanding of his status should come following the team's first official practice and injury report on Wednesday. San Francisco doesn't seem to be in a hurry to get their 2025 fourth-rounder into action, but with starters Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) both ailing, the team could use extra depth at wide receiver.
Oct 8, 2025 12:50 AM EST
Jordan Watkins Ruled Out For Week 5
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins (calf) has been ruled out for their Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Watkins, who suffered a high ankle sprain in the preseason, has yet to make his regular-season debut. Watkins had been cleared to play in Week 2, but was ultimately a healthy scratch from that game and thereafter has stayed on the shelf with lingering discomfort in his calf. The rookie's injury is especially unfortunate this week, as both Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle/ribs) are dealing with injuries of their own that will bar them from playing when the 49ers face the Rams on Thursday Night Football. Kendrick Bourne and Demarcus Robinson are expected to move into the starting lineup as a result.
Oct 2, 2025 2:43 AM EST
Jordan Watkins Ruled Out For Week 4
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins (calf) has been ruled out for the team's Week 4 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Watkins is listed with a calf injury, a possible symptom of the high ankle sprain he suffered in the first week of preseason action. He was cleared to make his regular season debut in Week 2, but was ultimately declared inactive ahead of the game. In Week 3, he had one limited practice sandwiched between two DNPs and did not practice at all this week. Even after he heals, he has little to no value in fantasy football (dynasty leagues excepted), as it will be hard for the rookie to crack the rotation of Ricky Pearsall (knee), Jauan Jennings (ankle/shoulder), and Demarcus Robinson at the top of the depth chart.
Sep 27, 2025 5:37 AM EST
Jordan Watkins Out For Week 3
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins (calf) has been declared out for the team's home opener in Week 3. The rookie initially popped up on the report after logging a limited practice on Thursday, which was followed by a DNP on Friday. Per ESPN's Nick Wagoner, head coach Kyle Shanahan said that Watkins' injury might land him on injured reserve. Watkins suffered a high-ankle sprain in the preseason, which lingered long enough to cause him to miss the season opener. He got in a full practice before Week 2's matchup against the Saints but was a healthy scratch for that game. Watkins has no business being on fantasy football rosters.
Sep 20, 2025 5:39 AM EST
Jordan Watkins Could Have Decent Role in Debut in Week 2
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins (ankle) has been removed from the injury report and will make his NFL debut in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints this Sunday. Watkins, a fourth-rounder in April, was held out of the Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks after suffering a high-ankle sprain all the way back on Aug. 9, but not only will he be active this weekend, but he could be thrown into the fire right away. Tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is on Injured Reserve, while receiver Jauan Jennings (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday. Backup quarterback Mac Jones is starting in place of the injured Brock Purdy (toe), but if Jennings is out, Watkins will be battling with Kendrick Bourne, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Skyy Moore for WR2 duties. Watkins will be too dicey to start in fantasy, but he's certainly one to watch in deeper leagues now that he's past his ankle injury.
Sep 12, 2025 8:29 PM EST
Jordan Watkins Doubtful for Week 1
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. He didn't practice on Wednesday. While the rookie managed to log limited sessions on Thursday and Friday, it wasn't enough to avoid a doubtful tag. The 49ers injury report is already loaded, with Christian McCaffrey (calf) listed as questionable for Week 1. In addition, Brandon Aiyuk (knee) will remain out for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, Jauan Jennings (calf) is good to go, which should make life easier for quarterback Brock Purdy. With that in mind, even if Watkins somehow gets cleared to suit up, it won't mean much from a fantasy standpoint, especially since Ricky Pearsall and George Kittle are in the equation.
Sep 5, 2025 11:58 PM EST
Jordan Watkins Misses Thursday's Practice
San Francisco 49ers rookie fourth-round wide receiver Jordan Watkins (ankle) did not take part in Thursday's practice, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. In addition to Watkins, Jauan Jennings (calf) missed another practice. The 23-year-old Watkins hasn't played since suffering a high-ankle sprain in the team's preseason opener and is trending toward not being ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 7. The Niners also have Brandon Aiyuk (knee) starting the year on the PUP list, so if Jennings isn't active for Week 1, Ricky Pearsall could be heavily targeted early and often by quarterback Brock Purdy. The 49ers re-signed Russell Gage Jr. (knee), but he, too, missed Thursday's practice. Watkins should be ignored in 12-team fantasy leagues for now.
Aug 28, 2025 6:17 PM EST
Jordan Watkins Does Side Work on Monday
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins (ankle) worked out on a side field during the team's practice on Monday, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Watkins suffered a high-ankle sprain in the team's preseason opener and has not practiced since. A fourth-round pick out of Ole Miss, Watkins was reportedly having a solid training camp before the injury. The initial timeline provided for Watkins was a one-month absence, which means he's still likely a couple of weeks away from returning in full. Both Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (calf) may still be sidelined when Watkins returns. If that's the case, the 23-year-old will have a chance to earn regular playing time and possibly even be the 49ers' WR2 behind Ricky Pearsall.
Aug 26, 2025 11:08 AM EST
Jordan Watkins Suffers High-Ankle Sprain
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins (ankle) suffered a high-ankle sprain and will miss a month, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic. Watkins was injured in Saturday's 30-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in the preseason opener. Before getting hurt, he caught three of his six targets for 56 yards. The 23-year-old was a fourth-round pick back in April but might not be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season in early September. Watkins wasn't going to be a starter on offense in his rookie season, but there is certainly opportunity in a banged-up Niners receivers room with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) potentially not making his season debut until Week 6. With Jauan Jennings and Jacob Cowing also dealing with injuries in training camp, Demarcus Robinson has a big opportunity to impress the coaching staff.
Aug 11, 2025 6:51 PM EST
Jordan Watkins Shows Promise In Preseason Loss
Wide receiver Jordan Watkins, the 49ers' fourth-round pick out of Ole Miss, made a good first impression on San Francisco's fans during the 30-9 loss to the Broncos. On the team's opening drive, quarterback Mac Jones dropped a long pass over Watkins' shoulder as he was fighting off a defender, and the rookie rumbled an extra 25 yards after the catch for a 50-yard gain on his first touch as a pro. Watkins later added two more catches for significantly shorter gains, finishing with 56 yards on the three receptions. He led the team in those categories, as did his six targets. With Brandon Aiyuk's (knee) recovery timeline unclear and Jauan Jennings (calf) nursing an injury while at loggerheads with the team over his contract, Watkins may enter the season in a more significant role than previously expected. His next opportunity to show what he can do will come against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 16.
Aug 10, 2025 5:57 AM EST
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