49ers, Jauan Jennings on sad parallel path after loss to Buccaneers

One of many 49ers’ finest tales is headed sideways. Will the 49ers’ season be subsequent?

Jauan Jennings and the 49ers are one and the identical — injured and combating the chances even with a 4-2 report after a 30-19 street loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday.

Jennings in all probability stunned everybody by suiting as much as face Tampa Bay. He’s coping with rib, ankle and shoulder accidents and has been leaking oil for weeks.

However all the will on the earth didn’t assist as Jennings struggled to be some semblance of himself within the loss, with among the frustration spilling over in a sideline interplay with coach Kyle Shanahan late within the first half.

With the 49ers going through a 20-16 deficit, Demarcus Robinson dropped a go in entrance of Shanahan. Then, as Robinson got here up with an atoning 31-yard catch, Shanahan went down the sideline to confront Jennings. The 2 went forwards and backwards for an prompt earlier than the sideline employees intervened, together with a member of the membership’s safety element.

Ultimately, Jennings was focused solely 3 times in a sport the place Mac Jones handed 39 instances, finishing 27 for 347 yards. He had extra penalties (two) than receptions (one). To start out the second half, Jennings instantly dedicated a false begin.

Shanahan dismissed the sideline spat.

“Simply an intense, aggressive dialog between two folks on the finish of the second quarter, however we’re good,” Shanahan stated on the postgame podium.

Jennings stated even much less.

“Oh, man, you’ll need to ask him,” Jennings advised reporters after the sport.

A second question introduced the identical response.

Quite a lot of that is justifiable frustration from Jennings, who stepped up with a profession yr final season with 77 receptions for 975 yards and 6 touchdowns, increasing his position from “third-and-Jauan” to No. 1 receiver with Brandon Aiyuk out with a torn ACL.

A contract adjustment got here late within the sport and Jennings, battling a calf subject, missed a whole lot of coaching camp practices. He’s had solely two full practices because the common season started. Jennings’ contract will expire after the season, and his worth will probably be diminished significantly in free company if it continues down this street in what could possibly be his final seize at a mega deal at age 28.

“He had a foul ankle, some points to his ribs. Hasn’t had some full-speed practices,” Shanahan stated of Jennings’ accidents. “I used to be pumped that he was capable of go. However now he’s struggling to go each week now.”

Jennings made it sound as if there may be extra occurring than what Shanahan advised, which isn’t uncommon. Coaches don’t exit of their technique to make targets of their injured participant to defenders.

“Enjoying with accidents is one thing that’s a part of it, you realize?” Jennings stated. “You’re going to have your ankle sprains. Your shoulder is 20 %. You’ve received 5 damaged ribs. It’s what it’s. You retain taking part in. No person cares. Hold taking part in. We do what we do.”

5 damaged ribs?

“Yeah, I’ve received 5 damaged ribs,” Jennings stated. “It’s soccer. I really like ache. I wouldn’t be taking part in this sport if I didn’t. You’ve received to get pleasure from each little factor that comes with it. Ache is a type of.”

Which is a method to take a look at it. The query is, as banged up as Jennings is, whether or not he could be salvaged. His situation compromises his warrior mentality and his free-agent market will undergo.

Jennings has already missed three of six video games. Ricky Pearsall Jr. (knee) could also be again subsequent week in opposition to Atlanta. The 49ers are hopeful a return by Aiyuk looms sooner or later. Kendrick Bourne had some route errors however has 15 receptions for 284 yards within the final two video games.