Jordan Watkins' diligence continues to pay off with milestone TD in 49ers' win

Jordan Watkins Jordan Watkins' diligence continues to pay off with milestone TD in 49ers' win Jordan Watkins has become a key part of the San Francisco 49ers' offense over the last few weeks after a quiet start to the 2026 NFL season. By Jennifer Lee Chan • Published November 8, 2026 • Updated on November 8, 2026 at 8:06 pm SANTA CLARA — After being a healthy scratch in the first two games of the 2026 NFL season, Jordan Watkins has become a vital part of the 49ers' offense. In San Francisco's 38-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at Levi's Stadium, the second-year wide receiver caught all four of his targets for 86 yards and his first NFL career touchdown. Watch NBC Bay Area News free wherever you are WATCH HERE “I think back to that Seattle game,” Watkins told NBC Sports Bay Area after the win. “I didn’t get a target at all, I had all blocking plays. Being able to build off of that, any way I can in there, and help our team win, that’s what I’m going to do.” Jordan Watkins comes down with his first-career touchdown 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Q3ODvdN9Ms — 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) November 8, 2026 Helping his team is exactly what Watkins has done since going into Kyle Shanahan’s office to ask how he could make more of an impact on the field. The 49ers coach has seen a lot of improvement from the young receiver. “A huge step forward,” Shanahan said. “He hasn't gotten his opportunities and some guys have been down, and he's been working and he's been ready for it. I think he's gotten better each week. I think the first week he came out there and played good right away. “The ball went his way more this game, and he was ready for those opportunities.” San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers 16 hours ago NFL reinstates WR Brandon Aiyuk, grants 49ers a two-week roster exemption Fred Warner 19 hours ago 49ers accomplished rare feats with five takeaways in second half vs. Raiders Injuries to the receiver room have forced Watkins into play, but even still, it hasn’t been an easy path. Finally as part of the active game day roster in Week 3, Watkins caught both of his targets for 60 yards. Then, he didn't see a target over the next two contests and only got one for 22 yards in their subsequent Week 6 game. Then in the 49ers' Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Watkins appeared to have a breakthrough when he was targeted six times, connecting on three receptions for 56 yards. One incompletion could have been a touchdown pass, but Watkins was unable to hold on to the ball through the catch. Trent Williams has noticed Watkins’ progress and could not be more proud of the young wideout. “Jordan, his maturation is showing right in front our eyes,” Williams said. “Every week they put more and more on his plate, and every week he shows that he can handle it. He’s just getting his opportunities.” One of Watkins’ opportunities on Sunday was a 37-yard bomb from Brock Purdy into the end zone that the Ole Miss product was able to secure, even with Raiders defensive back Hezekiah Masses draped on his back. It was the young wideout’s first career touchdown. “That touchdown catch was unbelievable,” Williams said. “I’m very happy for Jordan. He’s one of those guys who I really root for because I know he has an immense amount of talent. And as a wide receiver, especially in this system, you just got to find your way. You got to understand the depth and the timing. “It’s tough to get used to, and luckily he’s catching on and he’s turning into that player everyone hoped he’d be." Along with all of the compliments, Shanahan noted it was not a perfect game as Watkins was called for a false start in early in the contest. Still, the 49ers coach was happy with the young player’s performance, including the touchdown. “That third down was huge,” Shanahan said. “Just the man coverage and going up and making that play on the post. That was a hell of a play.” Watkins won’t rest on his laurels, knowing that there is still a long season ahead. The competition in the room also will be heightened as Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel make their returns from injuries. “It’s not always necessarily pretty,” Watkins said. “You don’t always get the stats, but to do what we want to accomplish this year, you have to play selfless football and do what you need to do to help the team win.” Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast This article tagged under: Jordan Watkins Kyle Shanahan Trent Williams