Jennings returns: 49ers get their star receiver back after 36 days.

Jauan Jennings Returns to Practice with the 49ers

After a 36-day absence, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings returned to practice this Monday. The Niners held their “extra” practice on Monday morning, marking the start of preparations for the regular season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The session featured the return of five players: Jennings, guard Dominick Puni (knee), defensive tackle Kalia Davis, receiver Russell Gage Jr. (knee), and defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos (knee). Jennings’ return was particularly significant. Since he injured his calf in the fourth training camp practice on July 27, Jennings had been absent, not participating in practices with equipment. In addition to the calf injury, Jennings has been seeking a long-term contract extension. Niners general manager John Lynch revealed last week that Jennings requested a trade “a while ago,” but made it clear that the team had no intention of trading him and expected his return to the field once he recovered from his injury.

“He asked for it and we’ve moved forward,” Lynch said last Wednesday. “We’re not going to do that. So we’re moving forward.”

John Lynch, General Manager of the 49ers

Jennings participated in the drills as usual, leading the group of receivers alongside Ricky Pearsall. His return is a clear sign that both parties are moving forward. Jennings is now in the final season of the two-year contract he signed in 2024. During the camp, there was speculation about whether Jennings’ absence was due more to contractual issues than to the injury, although Lynch commented last week that “both things can be true”. If Jennings is fully recovered and able to play this week, it will be crucial for a 49ers receiving corps that has been hit by injuries. Jennings was the team’s most productive receiver in 2024, with 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns, all personal bests. With the return of Jennings and Gage to practice, the only receiver or player on the active roster absent on Monday was rookie Jordan Watkins. Watkins is still dealing with a sprained ankle and has been running separately recently. The 49ers will present their first injury report of the season on Wednesday.