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Jordan Watkins Will Fill 49ers Receiver Role Sunday

The rookie receiver steps into the slot position for this Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Football

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The San Francisco 49ers have named rookie Jordan Watkins as their starting slot receiver for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals following Demarcus Robinson's injury. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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With Demarcus Robinson sidelined due to an ankle injury, the San Francisco 49ers are turning to Jordan Watkins to manage the slot receiver position. Watkins will make his appearance as the team prepares to face the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday.

Why it matters

The 49ers are currently working to maintain their 2-0 season record while navigating significant attrition in their wide receiver rotation. With Ricky Pearsall out for the season and De'Zhaun Stribling on injured reserve, the team's depth is being tested early in the year.

Jordan Watkins enters Sunday's game with 13 preseason receptions and 164 receiving yards, filling a void left by an injury-depleted roster. Demarcus Robinson is out after recording two catches against the Rams and three against the Dolphins.

The players

Jordan Watkins

A 2025 fourth-round draft pick for the 49ers who is stepping into the slot receiver role.

Demarcus Robinson

A 49ers wide receiver currently unavailable due to an ankle injury.

Brandin Cooks

A veteran wide receiver recently signed by the 49ers to add depth to the position.

Ricky Pearsall

A 49ers wide receiver who is out for the season following knee surgery.

The details

Jordan Watkins, a 2025 fourth-round draft pick, will take over slot duties after the 49ers lost Robinson to an ankle injury sustained in the second quarter of their previous game. To further bolster the position, the 49ers also signed wide receiver Brandin Cooks to serve as a safety blanket. Fans should watch for how these changes affect the passing attack when the team takes the field this Sunday.

Timeline

  1. Jordan Watkins was a 2025 fourth-round draft pick.

  2. De'Zhaun Stribling was placed on injured reserve following a Week 1 injury.

  3. Demarcus Robinson was ruled out for Sunday's game in September 2026.

  4. Jordan Watkins will play against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday.

Across the Bay

This roster move follows the pattern of recent adjustments necessitated by the team's 2026 injury-depleted wide receiver rotation. It marks a departure from the initial season strategy as the 49ers look to stabilize their offensive depth.

Fans heading to the game or watching from home should monitor the updated depth chart leading into Sunday's kickoff. Expect the team's passing dynamics to look different as new receivers integrate into the rotation.

The takeaway

Watch how the chemistry between the quarterback and new receivers like Watkins and Cooks develops during Sunday's matchup. Keeping an eye on the weekly injury report will be essential for understanding which targets the 49ers prioritize in the coming weeks.

Further reading

For more on the latest team updates, visit San Francisco Football.

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Is depth of talent more important to your local team's success than having star players?