Jauan Jennings Returns to 49ers Practice amid Calf Injury, Contract Rumors

The San Francisco 49ers have been beset by injuries to the wideout position this summer, but help is on the way.

Per multiple reports, Jauan Jennings suited up for practice on Monday, a welcome return from one of the team's most important options in the passing game.

Jennings has dealt with a calf issue for much of the summer and hasn't practiced since late July, though it's unclear if his desire for a new contract and subsequent trade request had something to do with his lengthy absence.

"Both things can be true," general manager John Lynch told reporters last week, a suggestion that Jennings is both injured and unhappy with his current contract situation. He also emphasized, emphatically, that Jennings won't be dealt.

"He asked for it and we've moved on," he said. "We're not doing that. So, we're moving forward."

The Niners have dealt with severe injuries to the wideout position this summer. Jacob Cowing is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, Brandon Aiyuk will start the season on the reserve/PUP list due to last season's torn ACL and MCL and Jordan Watkins is still recovering from a high-ankle sprain.

Currently, the Niners have Ricky Pearsall Jr. and Skyy Moore healthy, while the team signed veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal and brought back Russell Gage Jr. after releasing him.

But a healthy Jennings would be a major boost. The 28-year-old had a breakout year in 2024, catching 77 passes for 975 yards and six touchdowns. Once Aiyuk is healthy, he, Jennings and Pearsall—alongside running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle—should give quarterback Brock Purdy a nice suite of weapons in the passing game.