Shanahan: 49ers uncertain about Jauan Jennings' status vs. Cardinals

The San Francisco 49ers are facing more questions at wide receiver heading into Sunday's divisional matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Jauan Jennings' ankle injury became more concerning on Thursday, especially after fellow wideout Jordan Watkins—who many believed could make his 49ers debut if Jennings can't go—was added to the injury report with a calf issue that limited his practice participation.

Jennings has yet to practice this week. The situation feels similar to last week when the receiver was dealing with a shoulder injury suffered in Week 1. He was ultimately a game-time decision but managed to suit up against the New Orleans Saints, delivering a performance that included five catches for 89 yards and a touchdown.

"It's similar to last week, just a different injury with the ankle and stuff," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Bay Area radio station KNBR. "So, he hasn't been able to go at all this week. That's how it was last week. But he was able to get out there on Friday last week, which made him prepared. And he was able to gut it out and be ready for that game. And thank God he was, because he was huge in it.

"But this week it's been the same. He hasn't been able to practice yet. Hopefully, he'll get out there tomorrow, but we're still not sure yet."

Shanahan headed to Saudi Arabia in 2026

Off the field, Shanahan will take on a unique opportunity next year. He has been selected as one of three coaches for the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Saudi Arabia, an event spearheaded by former quarterback Tom Brady.

"He just randomly asked me a couple of weeks ago," Shanahan said with a laugh. "And he said it was at the end of March. It should be good. That should work out on our calendar. It's only for, like, three days. I never thought I'd ever go to Saudi Arabia, so when he told me, it just sounded really cool. It sounded fun.

"I get to bring my wife. We all get to go down there together, and it's not going to be too long, but it sounded like a real good experience. So, as long as it doesn't mess with anything with our schedule here, I was flattered that he asked, and looking forward to getting a chance to do something like that."

Shanahan admitted he nearly got himself in trouble at home after saying yes before mentioning it to his wife.

"I actually even forgot to tell my wife about it because it's in March, and so I'm just like, 'Oh, yeah, sure,'" Shanahan shared. "But then I hung up, and then you just go back to living in our hole that we do."

The event will also feature 49ers star Christian McCaffrey, who is expected to play for one of the teams. Shanahan admitted he hadn't yet considered demanding McCaffrey be on his team, but joked that he probably should.

"I definitely think, as it gets closer, I need to make some demands like that," Shanahan said. "I don't want to go against Christian. Definitely want him on my team."