Arizona Cardinals Week 3 opponent San Francisco 49ers have WR problems
The Arizona Cardinals will play the NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers on the road in Week 3. They will be facing a team with a series of problems at wide receiver. They traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in the offseason, and they still have quality offensive players like running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle, but the receiver room has been riddled with injuries.
Here is a rundown of what we know about the 49ers and their trouble at receiver.
The 49ers have a mix of injuries, suspensions and contract issues. They made a trade to possibly alleviate some of the issues.
Brandon Aiyuk not ready to come back
Aiyuk, who tore his ACL and MCL last season, is on PUP and will start the season there. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expects him to be back about Week 6, which is three weeks after the Cardinals play the 49ers for the first time.
Jauan Jennings hurt, in contract dispute
Jennings has been sidelined with a calf injury. Entering the final year of his contract with no guarantees, and coming off his best season in 2024 when he just missed 1,000 yards, he wants a new deal.
Demarcus Robinson suspended
Robinson, signed in free agency, and expected to be one of their top three receivers, has been suspended for the first three games of the season, meaning he will miss the game against the Cardinals. He was suspended because of a DUI.
Jordan Watkins injured
Watkins suffered a high ankle sprain. Those will keep players out four to six weeks.
Russell Gage injured
Gage doesn't have a long-term injury, but he will be out a week or so with a knee sprain.
Jacob Cowing injured
Cowing, drafted by the Niners in the fourth round last year and who had 28 catches as a rookie, has reinjured his hamstring.
Trade! 49ers acquire Skyy Moore
The 49ers, adding bodies to their receiver room, sent a sixth-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick and receiver Skyy Moore. The former second-round pick only played in six games last season and did not have a reception.
49ers WR depth chart
The 49ers' receiver depth chart looks like this:
Starters
Next four:
The rest
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