The San Francisco 49ers have fared pretty well given their franchise quarterback Brock Purdy has been injured for most of this season.
However, one player in particular has been impacted by the franchise quarterback's absence.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings has had a down season. Part of this is certainly due to the bevy of injuries he has had to deal with. Jennings detailed how he has an ankle injury, a shoulder injury, and is playing with five broken ribs. This is simultaneously admirable but also doesn't do much to help his trade value if the Niners decide to deal him.
In four games this season, Jennings has just 10 receptions on 22 targets for 136 yards and one touchdown. Those are not the numbers one would expect for the guy who was projected to be the team's top wide receiver going into the year.
The injuries have certainly played a role in preventing him from finding a rhythm, but not having Purdy out there also hurts. The duo established a proven connection over the last three seasons. Just last year, Jennings stepped up in a big way with other wide receivers injured, as he had 975 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He has historically been Purdy's favorite target on third downs as well.
But with Mac Jones at quarterback for much of this season, Jennings just has not looked the same.
To be fair, the one good game Jennings had came in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints with Jones under center. Jennings hauled in five catches for 89 yards including a 42-yard touchdown catch.
Ever since veteran receiver Kendrick Bourne has gotten comfortable reintegrating himself into San Francisco's offense, though, he has clearly been the favorite target of Jones and not Jennings. Bourne and Jones have a lot of history dating back to their time together on the New England Patriots, so it seems Jennings has been the odd man out.
Maybe that will change this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall is expected to be out yet again as he deals with his knee injury. If Jennings is able to go, he should be one of the top two wide receiver targets along with Bourne, although tight end George Kittle is also expected to be back.
Jones is to be under center again with Purdy ruled out for Week 7, but maybe opponents are getting wise to the fact that Bourne is his favorite target and will pay him more attention.
That could create opportunities for Jennings.
Purdy is slowly working his way back from injury, which may ultimately be what Jennings needs to recapture his old form. Of course, there is a chance he could be traded before that even happens.
Jennings also got into a sideline spat with head coach Kyle Shanahan last week, so things are not exactly trending in the right direction.
Injuries have played a big role, but missing Purdy is certainly a factor in the struggles Jennings has had this season.