The San Francisco 49ers enter training camp with a number of notable concerns, and arguably the biggest one is what happens at wide receiver.
It's been a tumultuous position as of late. Not only did the Niners trade All-Pro wideout Deebo Samuel earlier this offseason, but they're also anticipating fellow receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) missing the first few weeks of the regular season as he recovers.
So, recent developments with Jauan Jennings' extension standoff and second-year pro Ricky Pearsall's hamstring injury aren't exactly welcomed news.
However, if there were glaring concerns fans were worried about as the team hit the field in advance of the 2025 campaign, general manager John Lynch did his absolute best to put them to rest when speaking to reporters from day one of training camp.
Jauan Jennings is participating in training camp, 49ers want him here
San Francisco desperately needs Jennings, especially at the start of the season with Aiyuk and Pearsall's status not quite clear. But, after a career-best 975-yard campaign in 2024, Jennings' ask for either an extension or trade makes sense.
Lynch wouldn't comment on any contract negotiations, which is his typical stance, but all signs point toward there being an amicable relationship between the two parties:
John Lynch provides the latest update on Jauan Jennings' contract situation pic.twitter.com/6oJzDPg2bA
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) July 22, 2025
"We love him and he's here," Lynch told reporters of Jennings.
Additionally, head coach Kyle Shanahan added Jennings didn't formally ask for a trade despite reports of the contrary.
While Jennings' role may diminish once Aiyuk and Pearsall are a full go, the former's importance as both a key blocker and third-down target can't be understated.
The only matter is whether or not the 49ers oblige one of Jennings' two requests.
Ricky Pearsall's injury isn't bad news
Pearsall, meanwhile, was dealing with a hamstring issue during offseason workouts, and head coach Kyle Shanahan anticipated the 2024 first-round draft pick would be ready by the start of camp.
Well, not quite. Pearsall was shelved on the physically unable-to-perform list just ahead of camp, although it's important to acknowledge this isn't a long-term list, and players can come off it at any point leading up to the regular season.
Lynch's update is promising enough. While the general manager doesn't anticipate Pearsall being activated from the PUP list in time for team drills, which begin on Wednesday, Lynch does feel the receiver will be back on the field within a few days.
It's nothing long term. That's good.
49ers brace for one WR's suspension by signing another WR
Lynch also informed reporters there had been no developments yet whether or not the league would suspend wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, one of the Niners' offseason free-agent pickups, for a DUI when he was with the Los Angeles Rams last offseason.
Still, there's enough anticipation that Robinson will miss some time, perhaps as many as three games, which could put San Francisco in a bit of a pinch, especially if Aiyuk and/or Pearsall aren't ready to go by Week 1.
To help guard against further wide receiver shortages between now and the regular season, Lynch announced the 49ers had signed veteran wideout Equanimeous St. Brown:
The 49ers signed WR Equanimeous St. Brown to their 90-man roster at the opening of training camp. He is a six-year NFL veteran who appeared in two games with no catches for the Saints last year.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) July 22, 2025
Brown, 28 years old, was part of a group of receivers who recently worked out for the Niners ahead of camp, and the hope might be for him to at least round out the depth chart.
With just 63 receptions and 928 yards for two touchdowns over his career that dates back to 2018, it's not likely San Francisco expects much more from him.
At least the 49ers should be able to round out the receiver room for on-field drills.