There weren't too many bright spots from the San Francisco 49ers 30-9 preseason defeat at the hands of the Denver Broncos last Saturday night, but rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins was one of them.
The fourth-round receiver out of Ole Miss dazzled with a 50-yard reception early in the first quarter, which was one of two catches he had on the night for a total of 53 yards. And while the rookie also ran an incorrect route that led to an interception, it's safe to say Watkins is trending in the right direction.
Unfortunately, the up-and-coming hype and promise might have been a bit short-lived.
Jordan Watkins the latest in 49ers' long line of injury setbacks
After the team concluded practice on Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that Watkins suffered a high-ankle sprain during Saturday's exhibition tilt.
Apparently, it didn't seem too serious at the time, and Watkins was on the field for 39 total snaps anyway.
The following day, though, swelling started to pop up, and the receiver wasn't able to partake in practice sessions. According to the head coach, as shared by The Athletic's Matt Barrows, Watkins is expected to miss about a month:
Good-looking rookie receiver Jordan Watkins emerged from Saturday's game with a high-ankle sprain and will miss about a month, Kyle Shanahan said. The team had been eyeing him to have a role in Week 1 (Sept. 7).
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 11, 2025
It's devastating news, both for Watkins and the balance of San Francisco's wide receiver room. In light of injuries to other top names, including Jauan Jennings (calf) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee), the 49ers are awfully shorthanded, meaning players like Watkins were anticipating plenty of snaps this preseason.
At least Shanahan hinted at Aiyuk possibly returning by Week 6.
For the rookie, his development is going to be stunted because of the latest setback, although it opens up the door for others, including second-year pro Jacob Cowing returning from his own injury, to see more of the field.
Thankfully, it appears as if the Niners are anticipating Watkins' return in time for their regular-season opener on Sept. 7 against the Seattle Seahawks.
But, in light of the lost time, the first-year pro might need more of a ramp-up now after flashing some promise in just one preseason game.
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