Kyle Shanahan Gets Major Jauan Jennings Update After 49ers’ Mac Jones Decision

Things got tense in The Bay when 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan saw wide receiver Jauan Jennings miss practice on both Wednesday and Thursday. With the season heating up, every piece matters. But just as fans began to worry, the story shifted; Jennings returned for limited practice on Friday.

So, is he on track to suit up against the Saints this Sunday? NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport dropped some hints about the latest developments. “#49ers WR Jauan Jennings, suffering from a shoulder injury, is considered to be a game-time decision, source said. There is optimism he goes. But he’ll workout pregame to see,” Rapoport wrote on X.

However, Jennings didn’t exactly have an easy run this year. He struggled through the offseason, battling injuries left and right. Things got worse in Week 1 against the Seahawks, where the 28-year-old had to leave the game early after just two catches for 16 yards. That shoulder injury has been a serious thorn in his side.

Still, there was some good news earlier this week. Scans of Jennings’ left shoulder came back clean, showing no major structural damage. That’s a huge relief for Shanahan. Meanwhile, the coach is also keeping a close eye on left tackle Trent Williams, who’ll test his knee during warmups. If Williams can’t go, Spencer Burford will step in. Yet Shanahan isn’t one to let injuries slow his playbook. He adapts, and his team adjusts.

However, there’s another big shakeup in San Francisco’s lineup. Starting quarterback Brock Purdy won’t suit up due to left shoulder and toe injuries. Instead, Mac Jones will take the helm under center.

Kyle Shanahan will bet on Mac Jones amid Purdy’s injury

First off, things aren’t looking great for Brock Purdy. Ian Rapoport from NFL Network reported that Purdy will likely miss two to five weeks after suffering a variant of turf toe in Week 1 against the Seahawks. Kyle Shanahan didn’t mince words when he told reporters that Purdy is a long shot to play this week. In fact, the 49ers coach called it “essentially a variant of turf toe,” explaining the ligament injury affects the bottom of Purdy’s foot. So, the Faithful at Levi’s Stadium are bracing for a longer stretch without their starter.

Meanwhile, the pressure now falls on Mac Jones. Shanahan confirmed that Jones will lead the offense for the foreseeable future. And Jones isn’t exactly new to this situation. Since entering the league in 2021, he’s started 49 games, including seven last season with the Jaguars. And Jones is actually ready for the role.

“[I’ve] been fortunate to kind of play a lot of different roles,” he said. “At the end of the day, your job as a quarterback is to either hand it off or throw it. That’s how simple I’m going to keep it, and that’s when I play my best and when I have a low pulse and kind of just go out there and go through my reads.”

That said, his track record doesn’t exactly scream consistency. Jones has won just four of his last 14 starts, including two last season filling in for Trevor Lawrence. The 49ers signed him this offseason mostly as insurance, not expecting to rely on him much. But now, Shanahan expects Jones to perform against New Orleans, and later possibly Arizona and Jacksonville. The pressure is on.