The San Francisco 49ers recently held tryouts for four wide receivers following a high-ankle sprain suffered by Jordan Watkins, signaling a cautious approach to managing their roster depth. Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s comments on Monday suggest the team is not overly concerned about Watkins’ injury and remains confident in their current wide receiver core, opting against pursuing high-profile veteran free agents like Amari Cooper.
According to the transaction wire, the 49ers evaluated four wideouts on Tuesday: Jalen Camp, Frank Darby, Kwamie Lassiter, and Malik Turner—all players with limited NFL experience but some familiarity with the team or recent professional play.
Malik Turner is no stranger to the 49ers, having spent time on their practice squad in 2022 and 2025. This year, Turner played in the UFL with the Michigan Panthers, where he ranked ninth in the league in receiving yards, showcasing his ability to contribute in a competitive setting.
Kwamie Lassiter, an undrafted free agent from Kansas in 2022, has minimal NFL experience, with just one career reception during his stints with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022 and 2023. His familiarity with professional systems could make him a low-risk depth option.
Frank Darby, another familiar face, was a sixth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021 and spent time on the 49ers’ practice squad last season. Like Turner, Darby also played in the UFL in 2025, maintaining his professional readiness.
Jalen Camp, a 2021 sixth-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, brings size at 6’2” and 220 pounds. He appeared in five games with the Houston Texans between 2021 and 2022 but has yet to record a statistic in the NFL.
The tryouts indicate the 49ers are taking a measured approach, likely viewing Watkins’ injury as manageable and their existing receiver group as sufficient. By bringing in players with practice squad experience or recent UFL production, the team appears focused on maintaining depth without committing to a major roster shakeup. This aligns with Shanahan’s comments, suggesting confidence in the 49ers’ offensive core as they prepare for the upcoming season.