San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings has missed the past four training camp practices due to a calf issue, with no current timetable for his return, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Reports from the San Francisco Chronicle reveal that Jennings sustained this calf injury twice during offseason activities, the first occurring at the team‘s organized team activities (OTAs).
Adding to the tension, NFL insider Adam Schefter disclosed in July that Jennings is pursuing a new contract and has expressed his willingness to request a trade if the 49ers and he cannot reach an agreement. The uncertainty over his status and contract has grown more pronounced as the 2025 season approaches.
Richard Sherman Questions Severity of Jennings’ Absence
Former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman has cast doubt on the seriousness of Jennings’ injury, suggesting that the wide receiver may be using it as leverage in ongoing contract negotiations. Sherman, speaking on his podcast, pointed out the public demands Jennings has made, which include pushing for either a new contract or a trade.
“It’s a situation you’ve got to monitor because of what he’s asked for publicly—say either trade me or pay me,” Sherman said on his podcast. “And I know Kyle Shanahan and all the coaches are going to say all the right things because they’re a team with a great coaching staff, a great culture, a great front office staff, great teams, great teammates.
Sherman further speculated that Jennings’ refusal to practice might be more of a strategic move than a medical necessity.
“But from the outside looking in, when you make those demands, it could look like you’re holding in. And I think they’re going to have to do something. I think they’re going to have to appease him and I think once they do, there might be a chance he’s back in practice that day. I don’t know, but it kind of seems that way though. I think.”
Jennings’ Growing Role and Contract Challenges with 49ers
Since being selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Jauan Jennings had been positioned behind wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel on the depth chart. However, with Samuel no longer part of the team and Aiyuk recovering from injury, Jennings’ role for the 2025 season is expected to become significantly more vital.
Jennings delivered his most productive season in 2024, achieving career highs with 77 receptions, 975 yards, and six touchdowns. Now entering the final year of a two-year contract extension signed in May 2024, Jennings has been clear about not wanting to play without a new deal in place. This situation has put the 49ers in a difficult position, as their options at wide receiver remain limited.
The team must decide whether to negotiate a compromise with the 28-year-old veteran or take a firmer position amid the unfolding contract drama. How this standoff resolves could directly affect the 49ers’ offensive strategy and depth heading into the next NFL season.