Who Should I Start? Charlie Jones or Jordan Watkins

Sunday, December 22, 11:43 AM

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (leg) and wide receiver Charlie Jones (groin) are both inactive again for Week 16 against the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Sunday. This will mark Brown's third straight missed game and sixth overall this season since Week 9. With the 28-year-old out again, expect Cordell Volson to make another start at left tackle while protecting quarterback Joe Burrow's blind side. Jones, meanwhile, has not suited up for the Bengals since Week 8 due to his groin injury. The 26-year-old has played in eight games in his second season in the NFL in 2024 and has caught his only target for a five-yard gain. With Jones out yet again, Khalil Herbert and Isaiah Williams will handle return duties on special teams. Brown and Jones will try to get ready to return in what could be a pivotal contest in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos.

Monday, August 11, 6:51 PM

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.