Jauan Jennings Breakout: 49ers’ Hidden Weapon Stuns Fans with Clutch Preseason Highlights

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings was back on the practice field Monday after missing more than a month with a lingering calf injury that had threatened to sideline him for the start of the 2025 season. Reporters at the open portion of practice noted the fourth-year target running routes at full speed and taking part in full-team drills, an encouraging sign for an offense preparing for a Week 1 road matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Why Jennings’ return matters • Red-zone weapon: At 6-3 and 212 pounds, Jennings led the 49ers with nine catches inside the 20-yard line last season, converting six for touchdowns. • Third-down security blanket: His 83.3 % catch rate on third down ranked fifth among NFL wideouts with at least 25 targets in 2024, per team stats. • Chemistry with Brock Purdy: Jennings averaged 11.8 yards per target on play-action throws from Purdy, the highest mark among San Francisco receivers. Contract clouds begin to clear Jennings skipped several voluntary sessions in July amid speculation he was angling for an extension or possible trade. While neither the player nor the club has publicly discussed negotiations, his presence Monday signals both sides are trending toward détente as final roster cuts approach. The 27-year-old is entering the final season of the original four-year rookie deal he signed after being selected in the seventh round of the 2020 draft. Depth chart ripple effects If Jennings is deemed 100 % by Friday, head coach Kyle Shanahan could open the season with his preferred three-receiver grouping of Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jennings. That alignment would push veteran newcomer Kendrick Bourne to the No. 4 role and leave rookie Malik Nabers and speedster Danny Gray competing for the final active-game jersey. Eyes on Week 1 in Seattle The 49ers visit the NFC West–rival Seahawks on Sept. 7, a game that looms large in a division where San Francisco is favored but lacks margin for error. Jennings has historically fared well against Seattle, posting 10 catches for 132 yards and a score in two meetings last year. A healthy return could ease defensive attention on Samuel and tight end George Kittle while testing a Seahawks secondary that surrendered 1,286 yards to slot receivers in 2024. Fantasy and betting implications • Fantasy managers in PPR formats should monitor Jennings’ practice participation through Thursday; a full-go designation would make him a high-upside flex play in deeper leagues. • Sportsbooks opened the 49ers as 3.5-point favorites. Jennings’ availability could nudge the line a half-point if he avoids injury-report setbacks. Bottom line Jennings’ timely recovery stabilizes a wide-receiver unit that looked thin behind Samuel and Aiyuk during the preseason. If the calf injury is behind him and contract tensions cool, the former Tennessee standout could be primed for a breakout campaign in a contract year—starting with a statement game in Seattle next Sunday.