"It's been fun," Jennings told reporters after Tuesday's practice. "I'm still learning every day. I don't think today was my best day but I have just learning. ... I love football. It's a very physical sport."
Jennings' head coach, Kyle Shanahan, was excited to see the 24-year-old receiver make the most of his time on the football field this past weekend. Jennings played a hefty 38 snaps, catching one pass for 26 yards and carrying the football twice for 23 yards.
"You could tell how much he enjoys playing the game," Shanahan said on Monday. "How good his hands were, how physical he plays. Didn't light up the combine or anything, which we mess with him over, but that's his game. I mean, it's old school, and he goes out there, and he competes."
Shanahan and the coaching staff thought Jennings might help the team out late last season when several receivers were lost to injuries and the COVID-19 list. However, a hamstring injury kept Jennings off the field.
Jennings was asked how he maximized his time while sidelined.
"Just grinding," he responded. "A lot of grinding, offseason work, changing my diet. Out here, just working my tail off. Just trying to be the best player to help this team win. That's it."
Jennings can't really gauge if he is better now than he was last year. After all, he only has one preseason game under his belt so far. Jennings feels better but is looking forward to using the next two weeks to prove he belongs on the roster.
"It's been nice for him to get back, get healthy," Shanahan said. "And it was good to see him in his first game. That's how he looked in college."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Baldy questions whether 49ers should re-sign Jauan Jennings
Jauan Jennings is arguably the most notable name among the 28 San Francisco 49ers players scheduled to become free agents this offseason. The veteran wide receiver turned in a productive 2025 campaign, finishing with 55 receptions for 643 yards and nine touchdowns. He found the... -
49ers face critical decision on Jauan Jennings as free agency approaches
There appeared to be some tension between Jauan Jennings and the San Francisco 49ers heading into the 2025 season. The veteran wide receiver sought a raise after stepping into a larger role during the 2024 campaign, when he filled in for an injured Brandon Aiyuk and posted... -
49ers' John Lynch on Jauan Jennings: "We'd love to have him back"
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings' future remains uncertain. After expressing frustration over his contract last year, the team restructured the final year of his deal, allowing the fan-favorite to earn additional incentives. Jennings is set to become a free... -
49ers legend Steve Young pinpoints two offensive fixes to help Brock Purdy thrive
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy enjoyed a productive 2025 season after returning from a turf toe injury. The team won six straight games following his return before closing the regular season with a Week 18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Purdy finished the year...