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Return of Crucial Brock Purdy Target Is Now More Important Than Ever

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 6:15 PM ET

After reaching the Super Bowl in 2023, the San Francisco 49ers found themselves completely out of the playoffs in 2024. The 49ers are looking to make their triumphant return, however, things are going to look much different on offense.

San Francisco traded wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders. Brandon Aiyuk was played on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he battles back from a torn ACL. The 49ers' best target remaining is Jauan Jennings, and he has missed practice time himself with a calf injury.

However, on Monday, Jennings was able to make his return to practice, via Matt Barrows of The Athletic. While it's no guarantee he'll suit up in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, it's at least a sign that Jennings is on the right track.

"Only player on 53 man roster who's not practicing is WR Jordan Watkins," Barrows wrote.

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49ers Desperately Need Jauan Jennings

The 49ers are hopeful that Aiyuk will make his return sooner rather than later. However, on the PUP, he'll at least miss the first four weeks of the season. Ricky Pearsall is a former first-round pick, but he made just 31 grabs for 400 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie. It'd be quite the leap to immediately become San Francisco's top receiving option.

That's where Jennings comes in. The wide receiver burst onto the scene in 2024, setting new career-highs with 77 receptions, 975 yards and six touchdowns. His 83.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 13/98 wide receivers.

Now, Jennings will need to prove he can do that consistently. Prior to the 2024 season he hadn't made more than 35 receptions or gained more than 416 yards. While he did have five touchdown grabs as a rookie, the 2025 will be crucial for Jennings to prove he isn't a fluke. It's also the perfect opportunity for the wide receiver to prove to San Francisco why he deserves a contract extension.

With Brock Purdy leading the way, the 49ers finished their 2024 campaign ranked fourth in passing, averaging 249.1 yards per game. While there have been numerous changes, San Francisco cannot stray from their peak. Getting Jennings back on the field consistently will only make the 49ers stronger and make their playoff hopes a bit more realistic.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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