The San Francisco 49ers may be dealing with another absence at wide receiver.
Rookie fifth-round pick Jordan Watkins was out of practice Friday according to reports from the SAP Performance Center. He joined Jauan Jennings (calf), Jacob Cowing (hamstring) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) among the receivers not participating. It’s unclear why Watkins was out.
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Watkins missing time could be significant after he carried over his strong performance in OTAs into camp. Rookies, especially wide receivers, have a tough time carving out roles in the 49ers’ offense. If Watkins misses multiple weeks of practice it may derail some of the momentum he’s been able to build with the additional reps he’s been getting because of the other injuries at receiver.
It’s unlikely we’ll get an update on Watkins until head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks to reporters again after Sunday’s practice.
Ideally he won’t miss much time and he’ll be able to return in time to participate in the team’s joint practices and preseason opener Aug. 9 against the Denver Broncos.
Watkins wasn’t the only unforeseen absence. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown was also not participating, but he received a scheduled rest day so he should return Saturday to wrap up the third day of the third set of practices.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers rookie WR Jordan Watkins adds to practice absences