Who Should I Start? Kameron Johnson or Jordan Watkins

Saturday, September 21, 9:54 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Kameron Johnson (ankle) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Week 3 home matchup against the Denver Broncos. Johnson started the week with a limited practice on Wednesday before downgrading to a DNP on Thursday and Friday. In anticipation of his absence, Tampa Bay has elevated wide receiver Sterling Shepherd off its practice squad for depth at the position. The 22-year-old rookie has been a distant option for the Bucs so far in 2024, recording the fewest snaps of all wideouts (11) and failing to earn a single target in the passing game. His lone touch on the year was a carry he advanced for no gain. Chris Godwin and Mike Evans will remain the de facto top two targets for Baker Mayfield, with Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer picking up the scraps in a smash spot for the team this weekend.

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.