The San Francisco 49ers enter Week 7 with some decisions to make, most notably regarding star pass catcher Mike Evans. The veteran is dealing with numerous bumps and bruises. The most recent one, Achilles tendinitis, forced him out of the 49ers' most recent game against the Washington Commanders.
While the Niners deliberate on Evans' return timetable, a young wideout may benefit from some added snaps in the veteran's absence. However, if he's not careful, it might be his last chance with the team.
Second-year wide receiver Jordan Watkins will almost certainly get more looks over the next few weeks. After the red and gold match up against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, they enter their bye. But it wouldn't be a surprise to see Evans miss an extra week or two on the other side of the week off. Therefore, young, unproven guys like Watkins may be asked to step up for an extended period of time.
Whether he will be able to rise to the occasion is another story.
Jordan Watkins has failed to add to underwhelming resume with 49ers
After a year and a half, the sophomore has failed to move the needle in proving his NFL competency. He's caught a meager five passes since the beginning of 2025 and has spent a large portion of his career on the practice squad.
A day-three draft pick, he carries little to no draft capital, meaning his window to make an impact at the professional level has a shelf life. If Mike Evans sits one or more games, only Brandin Cooks will be ahead of him on the depth chart. Therefore, Brock Purdy will have no choice but to turn to Watkins as a legitimate weapon in his battered arsenal.
Unfortunately, he is not off to a good start. Watkins played 47 snaps in Week 6, a team-high for receivers. Sadly, he recorded just one catch and failed to serve as an adequate passing option, and the Niners' offense as a whole went static the moment Evans was taken off the field.
Watkins' increased role with 49ers is far from permanent
With his draft capital and low production to this point in his career, Watkins is running out of time to prove himself in the 49ers' offense. The opportunity is now there, but his success is far from guaranteed.
If he continues to underwhelm, the 49ers could elect to find reinforcements via trade, which would all but bury Watkins on the depth chart for good.
Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and Demarcus Robinson are expected to be back in a matter of weeks, and De'Zhaun Stribling will presumably return later in the season. Once Purdy gets all of his weapons back, Watkins may find it impossible to earn his way back to the field.
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