All week, it seemed likely that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings would miss Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and it was confirmed when he missed his third consecutive practice on Friday due to a hip injury. Fortunately, the injury is not expected to be long-term, and head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed hope that Jennings could return next week: “No, it’s not long-term. I hope he’ll be ready next week. He was close this week. Hopefully, we’ll have him back.”
In other injury updates, kickers Jake Moody (ankle) and Matthew Wright (shoulder) also missed practice. Wright will be placed on injured reserve, with Shanahan noting that Wright’s injury was “worse than we expected.” Moody remains week-to-week with a high-ankle sprain, and Shanahan doesn’t anticipate him playing against the Dallas Cowboys next week either: “Hopefully, after the bye.”
With these absences, kicker Anders Carlson is set to be elevated from the practice squad and make his debut with the team.
Running back Jordan Mason was again seen in a blue, non-contact jersey, but Shanahan confirmed Mason is “good to go.” Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, dealing with a wrist injury, practiced without his non-contact jersey for the first time this week.
Defensive tackles Jordan Elliott and Maliek Collins also participated in practice. Elliott, who missed Week 6, will be crucial against the Chiefs’ heavy personnel sets as the 49ers aim to bolster their defensive line depth.
There was anticipation surrounding rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who, despite being on the injury report, practiced fully throughout the week. Shanahan shared his excitement: “Our guys are pumped. He’s had a great week, and it’s been awesome seeing him out there.” Pearsall’s conditioning, according to Shanahan, was solid after a breathless moment during Monday’s walkthrough: “It wasn’t his stamina—it was just excitement.”
Pearsall is expected to contribute wherever needed, be it as a receiver or on special teams. Shanahan noted that Pearsall’s activation was not related to Jennings’ injury and was based on his strong performance throughout the week.
Additionally, defensive tackle Kevin Givens (groin), Pearsall (chest), and cornerback Darrell Luter (pelvis) are all listed as questionable. Defensive tackle Mike Danna has been ruled out, while wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is questionable with a hamstring injury, although Chiefs coach Andy Reid expects him to play.
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