It would be a massive understatement to say that VFL Jauan Jennings is playing with some bumps and bruises for the San Francisco 49ers this season. The former Tennessee receiver told reporters on Sunday that he’s playing with five broken ribs, as well as both high and low ankle sprains.
“Playing with injuries, it’s part of it,” Jennings said on Sunday after the 49ers’ loss to Tampa Bay, via CBS Sports. “You got high and low ankle sprains. You got shoulders at 20%. You got five broken ribs. It is what it is. You keep playing. Nobody cares. You keep playing. That’s what we do.”
After dealing with a calf injury that caused him to miss some time during training camp, Jennings was able to play the first two games of the season for the Niners but missed a Week 3 contest against Arizona with ankle and shoulder issues. He returned the next week against Jacksonville, but suffered rib injuries during that game. Jennings missed the Niners’ next contest against the Rams but returned to action this past weekend against the Buccaneers. He caught one pass for seven yards.
Through four games this season, Jennings has 10 catches on 22 targets for 136 yards and one touchdown.
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After a breakout 2024 season that saw him lead the Niners’ receiving room in receptions, touchdowns, and yards, Jennings’ multitude of injuries have hampered his ability to be as consistent as he was last year.
Jennings was originally drafted by San Francisco in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He proved to be a valuable commodity and has been a workhorse in his five seasons with the Niners. He signed a two-year extension with San Fran back in May 2024, but was reportedly looking for a new contract or a trade prior to the 2025 season.
Jennings didn’t get either of those things, but the Niners did restructure his contract to add in some in-season incentives. The former Tennessee receiver will officially become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season.
This may not be the year that Jennings puts up his best stats due to the limitations with injury, but no one will question his toughness and dedication to his team when it comes time for contract talks next offseason.
The 49ers will return to action against the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday night at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
