SANTA CLARA — Three seats in the 49ers’ wide receivers room are taken.There is no question that receivers Mike Evans, De’Zhaun Stribling and Deebo Samuel are being counted upon to play significant roles for San Francisco this season.
That leaves at least three spots open for competition, as the 49ers gear up for a joint practice Tuesday against the Tennessee Titans with a preseason game to follow on Thursday at Levi’s Stadium.
Demarcus Robinson and Jordan Watkins have placed themselves in strong positions for spots. Jacob Cowing currently is sidelined with a hip-flexor injury after spending the entire 2025 season on injured reserve.
Interestingly, there is an undrafted rookie who has distinguished himself in an important way.
Meet Will Pauling, a 5-foot-10, 183-pounder whose size belies his physicality.
“He’s tough, man,” 49ers wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson said. “I love Will. That kid comes in, he works. He stayed here the whole offseason. He’s the hammer in the running game.
“Right now, he’s been the most physical receiver, I’ll...