The 49ersâ receiving room has been unsettled most of this season, with Ricky Pearsallâs ankle injury compounding issues as San Francisco tries to keep pace atop the NFC West.
While Pearsallâs absence could conceivably create an opportunity for young players like Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing, head coach Kyle Shanahan doesnât appear quite ready to call on them for significant snaps.
49ers Rookie WR Not Ready for Larger Role
On his Monday conference call, Shanahan explained that Watkins is not ready to be trusted for regular work on offense.
âJordan needs to show out on the practice field that he is better than the guys in front of him,â Shanahan said. âAnd itâs really tough with these guys when theyâve missed so much time, but heâs been out here for a little bit, getting back in shape, and doing a good job in practice.
âBut weâre going to play the top guys, and heâs still working to show that heâs one of those.â
Watkins, a fourth-round pick (No. 138) out of Ole Miss, has two catches for 26 yards in three games during an injury-plagued rookie season. Heâs been inactive for each of the last four games after dealing with ankle and calf injuries.
Cowing Inching Closer to Return
Cowing, a second-year player out of Arizona, remains on injured reserve as he recovers from an August hamstring injury. Shanahan indicated Monday that the team plans to open Cowingâs 21-day practice window ahead of San Franciscoâs Week 17 game against the Bears.
While Skyy Moore has taken over Cowingâs role as the kick returner, there still should be opportunities at receiver with Pearsall injured and others unable to stretch the field. Cowing had four catches for 80 yards in 15 games as a rookie.
Aside from running back Christian McCaffrey, who has 86 catches for 820 yards, Kendrick Bourne (33 catches, 499 yards) and Jauan Jennings (44 catches, 495 yards) are the 49ersâ top two pass-catchers.
Winners of four straight, the 49ers (10-4) visit the Colts in Week 16.
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