San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings has missed time during training camp and preseason with a calf injury and a contract holdout. The setbacks kept him from getting valuable reps before the 49ers open the 2025 season against the Seattle Seahawks.
Heading into the Seattle game, fans and observers have wondered about Jennings’ availability. Will he be back in time for Sunday?
Will 49ers WR Jauan Jennings Be Ready To Go?
On Wednesday, Sept. 3, the 49ers offered an update from the club as well as head coach Kyle Shanahan.
NBC Sports Bay Area reporter Matt Maiocco posted on X that Shanahan expects Jennings to play on Sunday. Shanahan also said Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Russell Gage might be active for the opener.
Responded to a reporter’s question during a press conference at the 49ers’ practice facility, Shanahan said:
“Yes, he (Jennings) looked good. Yeah, he looked good on Monday, got him back into it. Having all that time off, we got to ease him into stuff, so we’ll see how this week goes. It’s why he’ll be limited today (Wednesday). But he’s healthy enough to play football, and hopefully that continues.”
Jauan Jennings is expected to play on Sunday, per Kyle Shanahan pic.twitter.com/qenUl2UvhE
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) September 3, 2025
When asked if Jennings had a final MRI to check his calf, Shanahan said yes. “So he’s good to go,” the coach added.
Jennings was drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the 49ers. In four NFL seasons, Jennings has 155 receptions for 1,938 yards and 13 touchdown receptions. He’s a key target for 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, so 49ers fans are eager for his return.
Jennings, who has sought a new contract and held out of camp, played college football at Tennessee. He anchors the 49ers’ receiving corps alongside Brandon Aiyuk, who is sidelined with an injury, and rookie Ricky Pearsall.
Is Jennings A Good Pickup For Fantasy Players?
For fantasy players, is Jennings worth taking a look at for their teams? PFSN analyst Mason LeBeau offered his perspective heading into the season.
“The 49ers are in a tough spot between making sure Jennings is at full health and needing extra firepower while they await Brandon Aiyuk’s return,” LeBeau wrote. “Unless we hear differently by Week 1, it feels like he’s in the worst of spots between recovery and a crowded receiver room.
“That doesn’t mean Jennings won’t or can’t be a good option – we never know what the season has in store, and he could quickly become the WR1 at any point – but even at a reduced price, I’d prefer to take chances on Pearsall, Matthew Golden, or Emeka Egbuka in the same range.”
The 49ers travel to the Pacific Northwest to face the Seahawks at Lumen Field. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. ET.
