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James Brizuela is a contributing sports and entertainment writer located in Los Angeles. His focus is on Comics, Comic Book Movies, Video Games, NFL, and MMA. He has in-depth knowledge of the NFL as a whole, having been a fan for over 30 years, and covering the sports over the last six years. He also knows the ins and outs of the comics world, becoming an editor while covering everything DC and beyond on Comic Book Resources, Giant Freakin Robot, and Inside the Magic. James joined Newsweek in March 2024, having previously written NFL content for Sports Illustrated. He is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside. You can get in touch with James by emailing, [email protected]. You can find him at X @james_brizuela.

James Brizuela

Contributing Writer

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The injury issues with the San Francisco 49ers’ receiving corps continue to roll in. While the team waits for Brandon Aiyuk to be ready to go, the team has a new issue with Jauan Jennings.

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Jennings has reportedly reaggravated a calf injury that was bothering him since OTAs. To make matters worse, the pass catcher has no timetable of return, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Losing Jennings for any significant time is going to severely impact the 49ers’ offense, especially considering many of the offensive playmakers are also recovering from different ailments.

As stated, Aiyuk is recovering from an ACL tear, and that is not to mention running back Christian McCaffrey, who suffered Achilles tendonitis and a posterior cruciate ligament injury. He missed most of the season due to injuries.

Ricky Pearsall also suffered a hamstring injury, though he has since returned to practice.

Simply put, the 49ers are dealing with far too many injuries to their offense, leading to the team working out multiple running backs and wide receivers.

Of the multiple players who worked out, the 49ers signed Ameer Abdullah, Andy Isabella, and Marquez Callaway.

Though many of the players might make the 53-man roster, or could be there for depth the competition purposes, the 49ers are in a tough spot with so many injuries.

In the wake of injuries in the 49ers’ offense, Jennings stepped up in a big way in 2024. He secured 975 yards and six touchdowns.

Now, Jennings was meant to be a premier receiver for Brock Purdy, but he now has no timeline for return. The bigger issue is that calf injuries can be tricky and can linger for far longer past the point of first being injured.

The hope is that Jennings will be back for Week 1, but Shanahan’s comments on his return are dubious.

Though the 49ers brought in multiple free agents, the team might be forced to bring even more help via free agency or possibly with a big trade. Purdy needs a weapon to throw to, and the team currently has none.

Pearsall could see a significant jump in 2025, but he is also dealing with his own ailment. The 49ers need depth if they are to come back from a very shocking 6-11 record in 2024.

For more on the 49ers and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.