After injuries thinned the 49ers' wide receiver depth, Cooks signed to the practice squad to give him time to learn Shanahan's offense. After three practices, Shanahan was asked Friday how that process is going.
"He's picked it up great, had a great week," Shanahan said. "He's a pro. He's been around the offense to a degree. I mean, there's still words that are different and stuff, but you can tell he's got an understanding and picks it up as fast as anyone could."
An opportunity for Jordan Watkins
The injuries at wide receiver, including Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, De'Zhaun Stribling, and Demarcus Robinson, will force some of the 49ers' younger players to step up and contribute more.
Shanahan sees it as an opportunity for players like Jordan Watkins, a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
"He's going to have an opportunity now," Shanahan said. "I think he's gotten a lot better in a lot of facets. I think him not being up these last couple of games has been more because of special teams than a receiver deal.
"But now, if it was just receiver-based and things like that, I think he would have gotten up Week 1. But you've got to balance all that stuff out, and he's been fighting to get up.
"I remember him talking to me about it last week—ways he could get up, and we got an injury to D-Rob, which gives him an opportunity, and it's an opportunity I think he's ready for."
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Kyle Shanahan details decision to sign WR Brandin Cooks, potential role
The San Francisco 49ers officially added veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to their practice squad on Wednesday as part of a series of roster moves. Entering his 13th NFL season, Cooks brings experience and depth to the receiving corps, but he'll need to get up to speed with... -
49ers Notebook: Shanahan not ruling Brandin Cooks out vs. Cardinals; Players need to step up amid injuries
We'll start this edition of the notebook with the San Francisco 49ers' defense, specifically the defensive line. The unit has endured several injuries early in the season, particularly along the interior. Projected starting defensive tackle Alfred Collins was lost for the... -
Will new 49ers WR Brandin Cooks play vs. Cardinals? John Lynch offers hints
The San Francisco 49ers recently signed veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the practice squad, allowing him to get up to speed with head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Shanahan has already suggested that Cooks is unlikely to suit up for this weekend's game against the... -
49ers WR Brandin Cooks calls joining childhood team 'a dream come true'
Wide receiver Brandin Cooks grew up in Stockton, California, so he's very familiar with his new team, the San Francisco 49ers. In fact, the 49ers were his childhood favorite, making his arrival in San Francisco a surreal moment for the veteran receiver, who is entering his 13th...