The 49ers have dealt with more upheaval at the wide receiver position this week, with veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling released from injured reserve after suffering a calf injury.
49ers’ returning rookie could have immediate opportunity to shine in primetime
Posted October 20, 2025
The 49ers have a chance to finally get Jordan Watkins on the field on Sunday Night Football.
With Ricky Pearsall still waiting to return from a knee issue, the 49ers are severely lacking in wide receivers on whom they know they can rely.
But their paucity of options at the position may give a belated opportunity to an exciting rookie who is finally healthy.
The 49ers got fourth-round rookie Jordan Watkins back from a calf injury this week, putting him in line to make his debut in primetime as San Francisco faces the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football.
Injuries have kept Watkins out since his extremely exciting preseason debut, in which he hauled in a 50-yard reception from Mac Jones.
Typically, the chances of Watkins receiving much action on offense after such a lay-off would be low. However, with the level of injuries and the departure of a speedster in Valdes-Scantling, there is a possibility Watkins could have an interesting role to play.
Watkins’ selling points are his 4.3 speed, his route-running craft, and his strong hands.
Valdes-Scantling’s departure has left Demarcus Robinson as only other deep threat for the 49ers outside of Watkins. As such, there is merit to the idea of getting Watkins on the field immediately to stretch the field in an effort to not only push the ball downfield, but also create more favorable looks for the run game with the explosive play threat the former Ole Miss star can provide.
In addition, Watkins’ speed could make him a useful weapon for the run game who could operate in a role similar to that of Deebo Samuel.
Asked about how Watkins could change how defenses play the 49ers because of his speed, Kyle Shanahan said on Friday: “It depends on what they do. You know, he hasn’t been out there yet in an NFL game, so I don’t think people really care until you make a play like that.
“I thought he’s come back from his injury well, had a real good week of practice, looks like he’s healed, he’s gotten in shape and had a good week. So, we’ll see if he’s up.”
The prudent move for the 49ers would to be make sure Watkins is up to make a long-awaited debut.
San Francisco isn’t in a position to be picky when it comes to explosive playmakers at receiver, and the best way to make defenses respect the threat from Watkins is to give him a chance to make those big-time plays. It is in the 49ers’ best interests to at least provide him with some opportunities to do so in primetime.
Patrick Mahomes Clip Goes Viral After Chiefs Rout Raiders in Week 7
The Kansas City Chiefs embarrassed the division rival Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7, and to add insult to injury, quarterback Patrick Mahomes later went viral for a moment when he made the opposing defense look very silly.
NFL insider Ari Meirov shared a clip of the moment on X during the game, and it quickly blew up on social media. By 9 p.m. (ET), the post already surpassed 48,000 likes and 5.5 million views.
Patrick Mahomes on 4th down: “This fu***** never fu***** works.”
Tricks the Raiders defense to think he’s not gonna call the play…
Proceeds to snap the ball and get the first down.
Brilliant.
“Patrick Mahomes on 4th down: ‘This [expletive] never [expletive] works,’” Meirov narrated, quoting Mahomes. “Tricks the Raiders defense to think he’s not gonna call the play… Proceeds to snap the ball and get the first down. Brilliant.”
To explain, when quarterbacks typically line up to draw the defensive line offsides with several fake hikes of the football, they eventually let the play clock run down to zero and either take a timeout or a delay of game penalty.
In this case, Mahomes acted like he was trying to make the Raiders jump, only to actually snap it and quickly hand the ball to running back Kareem Hunt.
The fact that you could very clearly hear Mahomes’ bold bit of acting — and foul language — on a hot mic just made the moment that much more hilarious. Even broadcaster and former NFL QB Tony Romo couldn’t help himself on live television, exploding with laughter.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Credits Acting Cameos After Trick Play vs. Raiders
After the game, Mahomes was asked if he actually practiced the fourth-down “shenanigans” against the Raiders. His response was just as funny as the viral clip.
“I think it comes from all of my State Farm commercials,” Mahomes joked at the podium.
After laughing off his comment, the Chiefs QB then explained the actual origin of the play.
“[Offensive coordinator Matt] Nagy actually came up with the idea,” Mahomes revealed. Adding: “We had talked about doing the hard count, trying to draw the teams offside, and I can’t remember who I watched do it a couple of years ago, and they had said that, so I was like — I’m going to use that as part of my acting to try to get the defense to relax a little bit.”
Mahomes also credited his offensive line and Hunt for executing on the run after his theatrical performance.
Chiefs Put Together Full Performance in Week 7 vs. Raiders
The Chiefs looked more like their reigning AFC champion self in Week 7, totally dominating the Raiders in all facets of the game.
Obviously, the potent offensive performance sparked by the return of Rashee Rice stole the headlines, but it’s easy to forget that the defense pitched a shutout, too.
Even the special teams department was mostly perfect, as kicker Harrison Butker went four for four on extra points and one for one on field goals. And punter Matt Araiza pinned two of his three punts inside the 20-yard line.
Finally, Mahomes finished with a QBR of 89.7 out of 100 and a passer rating of 126.6. Talk about a near-perfect outing from KC facing a bitter rival.
The score finished at 31-0, but the Chiefs took their foot off the gas well before the clock hit zero. In all honesty, it felt like they could have won the game by 50 had they continued pouring it on.
