On Wednesday, 49ers GM John Lynch gave an update on WR Jauan Jennings injury status on his calf and whether he will play in Week 1.
"Calves can take a long time," Lynch said about Jennings' Week 1 status. "We'll have to make that judgement when the time comes."
Jennings has been sidelined with a calf injury since July 27 — holding him out for most of training camp.
Now, he may miss the beginning of the regular season as he recovers from the injury. To make matters messier, Jennings is also seeking a new contract from the 49ers.
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Will Jauan Jennings Play in Week 1?
Jennings is still working through the calf injury, leaving the 49ers "hopeful, but not sure" their top WR will play in Week 1.
It sounds like Jennings is heading toward a game-time decision in Week 1, though we're still about 10 days out. It will be a key situation to monitor in injury reports leading up to Sunday.
However, even if he is ready to play physically, it's unknown whether Jennings' will sit out due to his contract dispute.
Jauan Jennings Contract Dispute Update
Jennings is currently under contract, entering the second year of a a two-year, $11.89 million deal.
His $1.17 million base salary for 2025 ranks 91st among all NFL WRs, per Spotrac. However, his 975 receiving yards (in 15 games) in 2024 ranked 25th amongst receivers. He was second on the team in receiving yards, behind only TE George Kittle.
This has led Jennings to seek a new contract extension before stepping on the field in 2025. Most recent reports say the sides are "not close" on that extension.
Lynch also updated the media on Jennings' contract dispute, telling the press that Jennings did request a trade "a while ago", but that the team is not trading him.
It's an interesting situation, as Jennings may be prolonging his injury in an effort to get a new contract. On this topic, Lynch said, "Both things can be true. He wants a new contract, and he's got a hurt calf."
It has been floated that Jennings could go on IR (with designation to return) if the contract issue is not resolved, which would be a huge blow to fantasy owners.
49ers Depth Chart Update for Week 1
Here is the 49ers expected WR depth chart heading into the season, including the injury status of each player to start the year. If Jennings doesn't play in Week 1, Ricky Pearsall will be the WR1 for Week 1.
WR1: Brandon Aiyuk - Will miss at least 6 games (PUP)
WR2: Jauan Jennings - "Uncertain" for Week 1, contract dispute
WR3: Ricky Pearsall - Could start regular season as WR1
WR4: Skyy Moore - Traded for on 8/24/25
WR5: Jordan Watkins - Dealing with high ankle sprain from 8/11, very questionable to play
WR5: Marquez Valdes-Scantling - Signed on 8/27/25
If Jennings does play, he will be the clear WR1 until Aiyuk returns. In the meantime, we should see the target share dominated by Pearsall, TE George Kittle, and RB Christian McCaffrey
49ers Week 1 Fantasy Football Projections
With so much uncertainty surrounding the 49ers WRs, the only 49ers receiving projections that are available for Week 1 on PrizePicks NFL real money game are Kittle and McCaffrey.
Kittle is projected for 4.5 receptions and 61.5 receiving yards in Week 1.
McCaffrey is proejcted for 3.5 receptions (Goblin pick) and 34.5 receiving yards.
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