49ers Face Challenges with Purdy, Jennings Inactive Against Cardinals
The San Francisco 49ers will take the field without starting quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Jauan Jennings in their home opener against the Arizona Cardinals on September 10, 2023. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jennings was sidelined after experiencing a “bad practice” during Saturday’s walk-through, compounded by a lingering ankle injury sustained in last week’s game against the New Orleans Saints.
Jennings played a pivotal role in that match, scoring the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter, despite battling injuries throughout the early season. He also dealt with a shoulder injury during the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks and missed significant time in training camp due to a calf issue tied to a contract dispute.
Alongside Jennings, Purdy was also listed as questionable for the matchup. Coach Kyle Shanahan indicated on Friday that Purdy was “highly unlikely” to start, paving the way for Mac Jones to lead the team. Jones previously showed promise in his debut, throwing for three touchdowns and no interceptions in the victory over New Orleans.
Former 49ers quarterback Alex Smith expressed confidence in Jones during ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.” He noted that Jones fits well within Shanahan’s offensive system, especially given the team’s current injuries at wide receiver. “They want to run the football. They’re banged up on the outside,” Smith observed, highlighting the necessity for a strong running game.
The absence of Jennings, along with tight end George Kittle—who is on the Injured Reserve list until at least Week 5—and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is unable to perform until at least Week 4, leaves the 49ers in a challenging position. Smith pointed out that Shanahan remains one of the best offensive minds in football, which could benefit Jones as he navigates this crucial matchup.
The 49ers enter the game with their top receiving duo being Christian McCaffrey, who has recorded 15 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown, and rookie Ricky Pearsall with eight receptions for 164 yards. Jennings had contributed 105 yards and a touchdown on 7-of-15 targets prior to his injury.
As the team prepares for the game, the question arises: who will step up as the second wide receiver alongside Pearsall while McCaffrey continues to excel at running back? Kendrick Bourne emerges as a leading candidate after catching all three passes thrown to him by Jones for a total of 32 yards.
The remaining available wide receivers include Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, and Malik Turner. Turner was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday, while rookie Jordan Watkins was ruled out due to a calf injury.
While the team is missing key players, fullback Kyle Juszczyk and special-teams standout Siran Neal have been cleared from concussion protocol and are set to play. The 49ers aim to leverage their strengths and secure a victory as they look forward to a potential return for Purdy in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium.
