49ers Rookie Injuries Impact Training Camp Progress

The San Francisco 49ers are navigating multiple injuries and absences during their 2025 training camp, impacting key positions such as wide receiver, running back, and defensive back. Rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins missed practice with an undisclosed injury, which could affect his momentum amid other receivers' injuries. Running back Jordan James is dealing with knee issues that have sidelined him for consecutive practices, prompting the team to sign veteran Ameer Abdullah for depth, while head coach Kyle Shanahan remains cautious about James' recovery timeline. Defensively, the team is focusing on adding physicality and violence, especially with rookies linebacker Nick Martin and nickelback Upton Stout expected to contribute significantly once the regular season begins. Quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Trey Lance have shown promising performances in practice despite the absence of many starters, though Purdy has thrown multiple interceptions and is being encouraged to run more. Overall, the 49ers face challenges with injuries but are optimistic about rookies stepping up and the team’s defensive intensity improving as the preseason progresses.