San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle has reportedly been placed on injured reserve due to the hamstring ailment he suffered in Week 1. He will now miss at least the next four games, a devastating blow for a club already ravaged by health issues and limited on weapons.
Fans could use any sort of positive news, which comes in the form of the latest update on wide receiver Jauan Jennings' status.
Jennings didn't rejoin the lineup in the Niners' 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks upon exiting with a shoulder problem. He was "barely [able] to lift his arm," according to the NFL on Fox broadcast. But despite the initial scare, recent intel from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network suggests that the veteran wideout has avoided any "serious" damage.
Phew.
At this point, it does not appear Jauan Jennings' shoulder injury is serious. Some good injury news after a rough one on Monday. https://t.co/5YHkWX92Ot
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 9, 2025
It will be an all-hands-on-deck effort for the 49ers with Kittle sidelined until no earlier than Week 6 when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Between him and 2023 All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco will be without its top two pass-catchers until mid-to-late October.
Knowing this, Jennings' avoidance of any worst-case scenarios is a massive development and a much-needed stroke of good fortune.
Jauan Jennings injury revelation softens blow of brutal George Kittle IR stint
Rapoport didn't give too much detail about the severity of the matter (or lack thereof). But it sounds like Jennings at least has a shot to suit up for the Niners' next contest against the New Orleans Saints. Maybe the team proceeds cautiously and gives the 28-year-old extra time to ensure no setbacks, especially after getting word of Kittle's extended absence.
However, the 49ers may not have the luxury of being patient, given the current state of affairs in the Bay Area. Someone must step up and make plays for whoever the quarterback is, which is ostensibly fluid with Brock Purdy also getting hurt in Seattle. Jennings was slated for a significant role in San Francisco's passing attack with Kittle and figures to only lean on him harder now.
Yes, Jennings had a quiet performance versus the Seahawks before leaving in pain, catching two passes for 16 scoreless yards, but context matters. Let's not forget he was dealing with a calf malady this summer. While that might've had something to do with his well-chronicled contract dispute, the fifth-year pro missed valuable training camp reps.
Barring any physical limitations, Jennings figures to be a massive piece of the puzzle for the 49ers moving forward. Like Kittle, he thrives in the slot.
Expect the Niners to heavily involve the former from that area of the field with the dynamic seam stretcher out for a month-plus.