Who Should I Start? Jordan Watkins or Tommy Mellott

Wednesday, October 8, 12:50 AM

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.

Friday, May 23, 12:19 PM

The Athletic's Tashan Reed reports that Las Vegas Raiders rookie sixth-rounder Tommy Mellott got significant action at slot receiver during an OTA practice this week. The quarterback-turned-receiver made cornerback Darnay Holmes fall on an in-and-out route on one rep before catching a pass from quarterback Geno Smith and turning upfield. Receiver Tre Tucker made the most impressive play of the day on a deep route where he got open over the top of the safety for a diving catch. Tucker started most of last year, but his role could be in jeopardy in 2025 after the Raiders drafted Dont'e Thornton and Jack Bech. Mellott is fast and athletic at 6-foot, 208 pounds but will most likely serve in a depth role at wideout in his first year in the NFL while also contributing as a return option on special teams.