But an IR move also could be a nervous compromise and delay tactic for this increasingly tense situation. Both sides would lose some things, but not everything.
If Jennings goes on IR this week, the 49ers would pick up a valuable extra spot for their battered roster as they cut down to 53 players on Tuesday. And it would solve the practical concern of giving a spot to Jennings without knowing if he’ll be ready to play and with a wide-receiver depth chart that has been decimated by injury.
In addition, such a move would, at least on the surface, continue to take Jennings at his word that his calf hasn’t healed enough to resume practice for the first time since late July.“
Matt Maiocco’s 53-man roster projection after 49ers’ preseason win vs. Chargers
“Will the fourth safety be Neal or Richie Grant. It might even be both. But it appears certain that Neal’s spot is safe. Here’s a clue from special-teams coordinator Brant Boyer, who said Neal is a “Pro Bowl-caliber” player. That would seem to suggest he is a lock for a roster spot. After all, it would be foolish to release a player who can help the 49ers improve on the special-teams failures of a year ago.“
He was getting ready for the 49ers’ final preseason game, so he was locked in, he said. He did not have an opportunity to soak in the video of his dad, Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, scoring his first NFL touchdown.“
Nick Martin, LB, 87.2, 38 snaps”