Who Should I Start? Tyler Scott or Jordan Watkins

Sunday, September 8, 11:38 AM

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson and wide receiver Tyler Scott are both healthy scratches for Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. This news offers some insight into the Bears' offensive pecking order this year, with Johnson's absence being particularly interesting. He was a fourth-round pick in 2023 and made a solid impression as a rookie last year, but the Bears will opt for Travis Homer as their third-string running back behind starter D'Andre Swift and backup Khalil Herbert. Scott's absence is less of a surprise but still noteworthy considering he played 17 games in 2023 and is coming off a solid preseason. Regardless of Scott's availability, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze are locked in as the Bears' top three receivers.

Friday, June 13, 12:31 PM

San Francisco 49ers rookie fourth-round wide receiver Jordan Watkins hasn't been perfect in offseason workouts this spring, but The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that he has stood out in the way that Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) did a year ago. He took a number of snaps with the first-team offense with Pearsall, Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (calf) sidelined, showcasing his speed and fluidity in routes. Watkins doesn't break stride when catching the ball, which makes him an asset on crossing routes that are such a big part of head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. The 23-year-old also has thick legs and a big lower body, which should help him break tackles and pick up yards after the catch. Watkins had nine total touchdowns at Ole Miss in 2024, and while he probably won't get on the field much in his rookie season, he could be an immediate factor on special teams.