The San Francisco 49ers got hit hard before their Week 3 game, and it involved their wide receiver, Jauan Jennings. The WR first injured his shoulder in Week 1 and got sidelined temporarily, but he did practice through it. In Week 2, he suffered another injury, but it was his ankle this time. Still, he played against the New Orleans Saints despite the injuries. He caught 5 of 10 targets for 89 yards and scored a touchdown in that matchup.

The toll of Jennings’ ankle and shoulder injuries finally caught up with him this week, as limited work in practice quickly turned into a full shutdown. After logging DNPs all week, the 49ers officially ruled him out for Sunday, dashing earlier hopes he’d suit up in Week 3.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the downgrade, with San Francisco announcing: “The San Francisco 49ers have downgraded WR Jauan Jennings and QB Brock Purdy from questionable to out for today’s game.”

This is a brutal blow, given the Cardinals are undefeated and the NFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. The clash between the two teams is at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara.

Now, losing Jennings matters because he’s been a crucial offensive weapon early in the season. Even while he was injured, he has been reliable. He has been a key player in stretching defenses and moving the chains. And 49ers are already thin at receiver with Brandon Aiyuk out with a torn ACL and MCL sustained last October.

Add star tight end George Kittle, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury and on injured reserve, and the offense must dig deep to stay effective.

These absences put enormous pressure on the offense. And Shanahan must get creative to keep the team winning.

Without Jennings, San Francisco will look to Ricky Pearsall, Kendrick Bourne, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and, of course, Christian McCaffrey, their All-Pro running back, to carry the load. But there is another injury that’s been adding to their problems: Brock Purdy‘s turf toe injury.

Kyle Shanahan’s key quarterback call amid Purdy’s injury

The quarterback situation for the 49ers adds another layer of complexity. Brock Purdy, who burst onto the scene with a Pro Bowl in the 2023 season, has been sidelined by a stubborn turf toe injury since Week 2.

The quarterback won’t see the field either. Shanahan’s hands are full deciding who’ll quarterback. Mac Jones was declared the starter, and now Adrian Martinez is the surprise backup arm coming in.

Purdy addressed his injury with a mix of frustration and pragmatism. “[We’ve] just got to see come game time how I feel,” he said. “I want to play every game. I want to be out there. You only get 17 regular-season games, and every game matters, especially a divisional [game] going against the Cardinals. If you ask me, I’d love to, but I’m trying to be smart with my body here. You never know. We’ll see when the game comes.”

 Purdy’s words show his competitive drive, yet also his understanding that rushing back too soon could jeopardize his health and the team’s future.

Jones has been keeping the team afloat and hasn’t given Shanahan reasons to worry. The quarterback has already thrown for 279 yards and three touchdowns over the first two games. His poise under pressure and ability to manage the offense make Shanahan’s decision to go with him as the starter an understandable one.