Overview
- The 49ers, which beat the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, got two catches for 60 yards from Jordan Watkins that directly extended a touchdown drive and set up a pre-halftime field goal.
- Watkins was inactive for San Francisco’s first two games before asking coach Kyle Shanahan what he needed to do to be active and then earning the chance to play on Sunday.
- Mike Evans left the game with a rib/oblique issue and did not return, and the 49ers already have several receivers sidelined, creating an immediate need for internal depth.
- Coaches and teammates praised Watkins’ preparation and route-running after the game, and Shanahan said the team would have more clarity on Evans’ availability the following day.
- Watkins was a 2025 fourth-round pick who had minimal rookie production, and his Week 3 performance builds on offseason work with Brock Purdy and veteran mentorship that could expand his role if injuries persist.