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."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers WR Jordan Watkins continues to take 'a huge step forward' in absence of veterans
For the second consecutive game, second-year wide receiver Jordan Watkins stepped up on Sunday for a short-handed San Francisco 49ers receiving corps that has been decimated by injuries throughout the season. The 49ers were without wide receivers Mike Evans, Demarcus Robinson,... -
John Lynch on where 49ers WR Jordan Watkins stands: 'I don't see him coming off'
With several San Francisco 49ers wide receivers sidelined by injuries in recent weeks, Jordan Watkins has made the most of his increased playing time. Against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Watkins caught all four of his targets for a team-high 86 yards and a touchdown. He... -
49ers' Jordan Watkins soaking in coaching points from two veteran teammates
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans has missed the last two games due to Achilles tendinitis, but that doesn't mean he hasn't continued to impact the team. One benefit of signing Evans this past offseason was the veteran receiver's potential influence on younger... -
Kyle Shanahan praises WR Jordan Watkins for not giving up when opportunities weren't there
Jordan Watkins didn't exactly get the start he envisioned for his rookie season with the San Francisco 49ers. The young wide receiver wasn't dressing for games early in the season, leaving him on the outside looking in while other players received opportunities. But according...