It's not a worst-case scenario, but it's far from ideal for San Francisco wide receiver Jauan Jennings to miss time during training camp with a calf injury.
On Sunday, when the Niners were wrapping up their final padless practice at camp, the receiver exited practices and didn't return, adding yet another chapter to what's been a notable storyline surrounding his immediate and long-term futures in the Bay Area, specifically relating to contract extension talks.
While it's great to have Jennings at camp, the injury isn't good news. And it certainly didn't seem as if head coach Kyle Shanahan had any concrete updates when he spoke to reporters after Sunday's practice.
"I don’t know," Shanahan said when asked about the nature of Jennings' injury. "I’ll hear about it later today with anybody who goes out of practice, but that’s why I know he went out. That’s what he had in OTAs, so I’m sure it’s similar."
OK, so it was similar to an injury suffered earlier this offseason. But there are subsequent issues that may arise.
Jauan Jennings' injury is a proverbial wrench in extension talks with 49ers
There's no doubting San Francisco wants Jennings, and his willingness to practice despite no extension yet being reached is a good-faith measure.
His injury, however, might require some time to heal, though, at least according to one physician who specializes in soft-tissue injuries:
Jauan Jennings #49ers
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) July 27, 2025
Calf injury today. WRs average missing 1.2 games but this far out from the season they should let him take the time he needs to rehab. Recurrence rates are 15-20%https://t.co/V32ZZIv5kV
If contract talks weren't on the table, this would likely be a case of Jennings taking it easy until perhaps the final preseason game of the year, then full preparation for Week 1.
However, Jennings would be in his absolute right not to step on the practice field now until a new deal is reached. And the 49ers would understandably be a bit more hesitant to dish out an extension in light of the injury, especially if it's similar to one suffered earlier last spring.
Perhaps it causes an impasse. Perhaps it doesn't.
Either way, Jennings' setback is less than ideal for both sides.