San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan - Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images via Reuters
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins is turning into a quick riser on the offense. The 49ers are coming off a big win against the Las Vegas Raiders, and the second-year wide receiver’s performance is a big reason why.
Stepping Up Amid Injuries
One prominent discussion regarding the 49ers this season is the wide receiver room. Despite the 7-1 record, the 49ers have been hit hard with injuries. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is missing the entire season. Wide receivers Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Demarcus Robinson have also missed time.
The San Francisco 49ers are no strangers to the “next man up” mentality. In 2025, the team also suffered several injuries across the roster. With the wide receiver room hit hard with injuries, Watkins is showing why the “next man up’ mentality works.
Jordan Watkins’ Big Game vs. Raiders
The 49ers are coming off a big 38-17 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. While the defense forcing five turnovers is a massive storyline, Watkins’ performance must be highlighted as well.
Watkins finished the game with four receptions for 86 yards and one touchdown. He was targeted four times, proving to be a clutch receiver for quarterback Brock Purdy. Not only did Watkins score against the Raiders, it was his first touchdown reception of his NFL career. The touchdown went for 37 yards and essentially sealed the win for the 49ers.
“It feels good. I see the stuff on Twitter that I might not be able to make a contested catch a little bit. So it does feel good to be able to come down with that one,” Watkins said after the game.
With his upward trajectory, Watkins could become a key player for an already explosive 49ers offense.
Jordan Watkins Young Career with the 49ers
The 49ers selected Watkins in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He had a slow start to his NFL career, playing in just four games his rookie season. He finished the 2025 season with three targets, earning two receptions for 26 yards.
This season, he is taking advantage of his opportunity and stepping up for the offense. He totals 10 receptions for 224 yards and one touchdown. As the team continues to wait for wide receivers to return from injury, Watkins will be a player to watch to continue to be targeted.
Before Joining the 49ers
Watkins played five years of college football before being drafted by the 49ers. He started his collegiate career with the Louisville Cardinals. After two years, he transferred to Ole Miss, where he played with the Rebels. Watkins recorded 185 receptions for 2,682 yards and 18 touchdowns through five years at the college level.
His top season statistically was in 2024, in which he recorded 49 receptions for 906 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had three carries for 20 yards.
Next up for the 49ers
Following a win that pushed the 49ers to 7-1, San Francisco will next face the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys are 4-5, standing No. 2 in the NFC East behind the 5-2-1 New York Giants.
Unfortunately for the offense, the 49ers are expected to still be without Evans. The good news is, there is a chance that Samuel can return to the lineup, giving the 49ers added wide receiver help. Robinson made his return to the lineup in Week 9 against the Raiders as well.
Potentially having Samuel, Robinson, and Watkins will be a major boost for the offense as they take on the Cowboys in Week 10.
