49ers set themselves up for unexpected WR logjam once reinforcements arrive

The San Francisco 49ers have an underlying issue on offense. Aside from the injuries to starting quarterback Brock Purdy and All-Pro tight end George Kittle, the passing game have a big problem on the horizon.

The Niners have too many receivers on the roster and only one ball.

And, as the old expression goes, "too many cooks spoil the broth."

There are a total of nine receivers on the roster and four who are still in waiting. Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from his torn ACL and MCL suffered from last year, although he's expected to return around Week 6. Demarcus Robinson will finish his suspension for misdemeanor DUI after next week. Rookie wideout Jordan Watkins suffered a high-ankle sprain in the first preseason game and was expected to be out for about a month, according to the injury diagnosis. And last month, second-year receiver and return man, Jacob Cowing, re-aggravated a hamstring injury suffered in late July; he is expected to be out the same amount of time as Watkins.

So, over the next few weeks, head coach Kyle Shanahan and the other coaches will have some decisions to make about who will be getting snaps.

And even who will still be with San Francisco.

49ers' wide receiver logjam is coming

Taking a look at the five receivers who have played over the first two weeks, the two who have produced the most are Ricky Pearsall (eight catches for a team-leading 164 yards) and Jauan Jennings (seven catches for 105 yards and a touchdown). Kendrick Bourne was signed a few days before the New Orleans Saints game and caught all three of his targets for 32 yards. Plus, he has good chemistry with backup quarterback Mac Jones because of their time playing in New England with the Patriots.

Both Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore have yet to record a catch. However, Valdes-Scantling has taken a total of 32 offensive snaps, and Moore has been designated mainly to being a return man (17 snaps as a return man to five offensive snaps).

As of right now, if any of the five are going to be sticking around when more of the receivers return, it will be Pearsall, Jennings and Bourne.

But, when looking at the guys who could be coming back over the next few weeks, it's hard to gauge outside of Aiyuk, considering the small sample size. Robinson is a 10-year pro, but this is his first season with San Francisco. So far, he's impressed a lot of people on the 49ers, including starting quarterback Brock Purdy. Mainly because of his reliable hands and bringing a veteran presence to the receivers room.

Prior to the injuries, Purdy said that Watkins had been "balling out since day one." He showed out in his first preseason game when he led the team in catches (three), receiving yards (56) and targets (six).

And Cowing has taken significant strides in his game, according to Purdy as well. Purdy said, "I think Cowing's had a great OTAs so far, and getting in and out of cuts, and being the first one to lead lines, and show guys how routes are supposed to be ran... So, really excited for him and his development, and excited to keep throwing to him."

Robinson, Watkins and Cowing are expected to return before Aiyuk. So, we will see how everything plays out by the time Aiyuk comes back from injury. However, there will likely end up being some trades or cuts to happen when it all comes up. And with Jennings' contract expected to have more discussions going into next offseason, there could be a possibility that Jennings would be included in any trade talks.

The wide receiver group isn't an issue that needs to be resolved right now. But it will be something expected to play out by midseason.