The San Francisco 49ers expect rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins to make his long-awaited NFL debut on Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. The fourth-round draft pick had impressed during training camp before a high-ankle sprain sidelined him in the preseason.
Just as Watkins was nearing a return, he suffered a calf injury before Week 3, further delaying his debut. Now fully back at practice, he's eager to finally join his teammates under the Levi's Stadium lights during Sunday Night Football.
"I thought he's come back from his injury well," head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "He had a real good week of practice. It looks like he's healed. He's gotten in shape. And had a good week, so we'll see if he's up."
Watkins carried no injury designation on Friday, a strong indication that he'll be active against the Falcons.
"It feels good," Watkins said of nearing his debut. "I've been out since after the first preseason game, and then I come back to practice, and then I get hurt again. So it's good to be able to be out there and really just put my best foot forward, and keep stacking these days, and stacking the weeks, and hopefully, get my opportunity."
If Watkins does suit up, he'll be catching passes from quarterback Mac Jones, who will start with Brock Purdy sidelined for the fifth time this season due to a lingering toe injury.
NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan asked Watkins what it's been like working with Jones.
"It's been good," Watkins responded. "Mac's been around the league for a few years now, so it's been [nice to be] able to get around a veteran quarterback—not just Brock, but having two veteran guys who have been starters in this league, to kind of understand what it's like to play in the NFL, and what to expect from just elite players."
While recovering, Watkins leaned heavily on his fellow wide receivers. He credits Jauan Jennings, Brandon Aiyuk, and even second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall for keeping him sharp and ready.
"Even though Ricky's just in his second year, he's still been around and been able to kind of guide me, so that way, I don't make the same mistakes that he made last year," Watkins explained. "And kind of just giving me his experience, and it's been able to really influence me in the right direction."