49ers receive positive Jauan Jennings update amid growing injury concerns
Scans show no significant shoulder damage; Jennings listed day-to-day as San Francisco copes with George Kittle on IR and uncertain Brock Purdy status ahead of Saints game
The San Francisco 49ers received encouraging medical news Tuesday when scans on wide receiver Jauan Jennings' shoulder showed no significant damage, leaving him listed day-to-day and a possible participant Sunday when the team visits the New Orleans Saints.
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter reported the clean scan results. Jennings exited the 49ers' 17-13 road win over the Seattle Seahawks after recording two catches for 16 yards, and the team said the injury did not appear to be serious.
The positive update comes as San Francisco addresses several other injuries that could affect its lineup. Star tight end George Kittle was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, removing the veteran from the offense for at least the next four games. Quarterback Brock Purdy is also in doubt for Sunday after sustaining a left shoulder injury and toe damage in the game against Seattle. "We're not sure," head coach Kyle Shanahan said of Purdy's status. "We have to see how it heals and how the week goes on it."
Despite the injury cloud, the 49ers played without Kittle and with limited contributions from Jennings and secured a victory in Seattle. The game intensified concerns about depth at wide receiver and tight end, prompting roster moves this week. San Francisco signed veteran receiver Kendrick Bourne to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million to bolster the receiving corps while Kittle is sidelined and Jennings' availability is evaluated.
Jennings emerged as a significant weapon in 2024, when he posted career highs with 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns. He had dealt with a calf issue in the preseason, and the team reworked his contract just days before the season opener to add $3 million in playing-time incentives that could raise his earnings to as much as $10.5 million.
With the kicking game also under scrutiny after the loss in Seattle, the 49ers made a personnel change on special teams, waiving former third-round pick Jake Moody and signing veteran kicker Eddy Pineiro. Moody missed two key field-goal attempts against the Seahawks and had struggled during the previous season, converting 24 of 34 field-goal attempts.
Offensive continuity is a central issue for the 49ers as they prepare for New Orleans. Kittle's absence will alter red-zone personnel and schematic wrinkles that have been integral to San Francisco's offense, while Purdy's potential unavailability would force adjustments behind center. If Jennings is cleared to play, he would provide a familiar target for whoever starts at quarterback and help mitigate some of the losses.
The 49ers will monitor Jennings, Purdy and the team's other injured players throughout the week in preparation for the trip to the Superdome. Final determinations on availability typically come after midweek practices and follow-up examinations, and Shanahan indicated the club would proceed cautiously as it assesses healing and practice responses.
