Tight end George Kittle, the most crucial cog in the San Francisco 49ers’ passing offense, has been ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring injury. Quarterback Brock Purdy has popped up on the injury report with a variant of a turf toe injury and is likely out for 2-5 weeks. Brandon Aiyuk is still sidelined as well.
Purdy’s backup, Mac Jones, will need someone to throw the ball to, and right now, his top potential target on the outside is Jauan Jennings.
What is Jauan Jennings’ Status Entering Week 2?
Jennings had a contentious offseason with the 49ers. He wanted a hefty contract extension and spent most of the preseason clamoring for it. Still, that problem was ameliorated when the Niners agreed to add $3 million to the final year of his contract. However, the money did not magically heal a calf injury he had to nurse throughout training camp.
Jennings took the field in the 49ers’ season opener in Seattle against the Seahawks, but he suffered a shoulder injury after just two catches for 16 yards in the Niners’ 17-13 win. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that Jennings underwent an MRI.
“Additional scans today on Jauan Jennings’ shoulder came back clean, and the 49ers wide receiver avoided any significant injury, per source,” posted Schefter. “Jennings now will be considered day to day, and has a chance to play Sunday at New Orleans.”
Additional scans today on Jauan Jennings’ shoulder came back clean, and the 49ers wide receiver avoided any significant injury, per source. Jennings now will be considered day to day, and has a chance to play Sunday at New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/QAqvPVY3L9
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2025
Schefter later confirmed that Jennings, who was listed as questionable for the Week 2 game, is now expected to play against the New Orleans Saints.
I love when you can tell a player spent his whole offseason doing nothing but grinding his craft. Shoutout, Ricky Pearsall, man. pic.twitter.com/dmYcrMTpHI
— Aiden🫠 (@aidenfrfr) September 9, 2025
UPDATE: Jennings is officially active for today’s game.
Apart from Jennings, Pearsall is proving to be a strict and precise route runner capable of making plays. He had four catches for 108 yards, including a 45-yarder that set up the Niners’ game-winning touchdown.
The problem is that the Niners will be limited to Pearsall, Jennings, and Christian McCaffrey as reliable playmakers. It’s possible that tight end Jake Tonges and wide receivers Skyy Moore, Demarcus Robinson, and Marquez Valdez-Scantling step into the breach. However, it’s just as likely the Niners will feed McCaffrey 31 times like they did on Sunday.
Jennings’ Fantasy Outlook
Nothing about the Saints scares me, but with George Kittle sidelined and Brock Purdy gimpy, why play with fire?
Even though he is playing, I’d rather take my medicine with a Wan’Dale Robinson type, lock in a high floor, and be on my way. If you’re more of a risk-taker, play Marvin Mims (at IND) or Rashid Shaheed on the other side of this matchup.
I’m not anti-risk; I’m anti-reckless risk, and this feels like Jennings should strap on a harness and take the field.
