San Francisco 49ers' receiving corps sustains another blow with Jordan Watkins' injury setback

San Francisco 49ers Face Injury Challenges as Jordan Watkins and Others Sidelined

The San Francisco 49ers are dealing with a series of injuries to key players, including rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins, who is expected to be out for about one month with a high ankle sprain[1][2][3][4]. Watkins sustained the injury during the preseason game on August 9, 2025.

Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the recovery timeline following an MRI that diagnosed the high ankle sprain, a common injury that typically requires approximately four weeks to heal[1][2][3]. Watkins reported soreness the day after his 50-yard catch debut but did not notice the injury immediately after the game[1][2].

This injury timing places Watkins' potential return around early to mid-September, possibly missing the regular season opener on September 7, 2025, against the Seattle Seahawks[4]. The 49ers’ receiving corps is facing multiple injuries, making Watkins’ absence significant as other key receivers such as Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings are also sidelined with uncertain return dates[1][3][4].

Aiyuk, another wide receiver for the 49ers, is still rehabbing after tearing the ACL and MCL ligaments in his left knee last season and there is no definitive timeline for his return[1][3][4]. Jennings, another wide receiver for the 49ers, has been out with a calf injury that sidelined him in the offseason and during training camp last summer[1][3][4].

The injuries and a potential suspension for Demarcus Robinson leave the Niners with few healthy options at receiver outside of second-year player Ricky Pearsall[5]. To address the depth at the position, the 49ers signed defensive lineman Trevis Gipson and running back Jeff Wilson Jr. to one-year deals[6].

On the positive side, offensive lineman Andre Dillard was activated off the physically unable to perform list[7]. Rookie nickelback Upton Stout is still experiencing calf soreness and was held out of practice[8]. Cornerback Renardo Green is expected to be out for at least another week due to a hamstring injury[9].

Quarterback Tanner Mordecai was waived by the 49ers, while Jacob Cowing is expected to return to practice on Tuesday after recovering from a hamstring injury[10]. Malik Mustapha and rookie quarterback Kurtis Rourke are also recovering from ACL injuries.

Coach Shanahan stated that the team is focusing on the players in camp and is not actively looking for potential additions[11]. The 49ers are hoping to get injured players, including Watkins, Mustapha, Rourke, and Jennings, back in the middle of the season[11].

[1] https://www.nfl.com/news/jordan-watkins-49ers-rookie-wide-receiver-out-for-about-a-month-with-high-ankle-sprain [2] https://www.49ers.com/news/jordan-watkins-ankle-sprain-injury-update [3] https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/11/san-francisco-49ers-rookie-wide-receiver-jordan-watkins-out-for-about-a-month-with-high-ankle-sprain/ [4] https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/San-Francisco-49ers-rookie-Jordan-Watkins-out-17463099.php [5] https://www.ninerswire.com/2025/08/12/san-francisco-49ers-injury-report-jordan-watkins-out-for-a-month-with-high-ankle-sprain-jauan-jennings-still-out-with-calf-injury/ [6] https://www.ninerswire.com/2025/08/11/san-francisco-49ers-sign-trevis-gipson-and-jeff-wilson-jr-to-one-year-deals/ [7] https://www.ninerswire.com/2025/08/11/andre-dillard-activated-off-49ers-physically-unable-to-perform-list/ [8] https://www.ninerswire.com/2025/08/11/49ers-rookie-nickelback-upton-stout-still-experiencing-calf-soreness-held-out-of-practice/ [9] https://www.ninerswire.com/2025/08/11/cornerback-renardo-green-expected-to-be-out-for-at-least-another-week-due-to-hamstring-injury/ [10] https://www.ninerswire.com/2025/08/11/jacob-cowing-expected-to-return-to-practice-on-tuesday-after-recovering-from-hamstring-injury/ [11] https://www.ninerswire.com/2025/08/12/san-francisco-49ers-injury-report-jordan-watkins-out-for-a-month-with-high-ankle-sprain-jauan-jennings-still-out-with-calf-injury/

San Francisco 49ers' receiving corps sustains another blow with Jordan Watkins' injury setback