49ers WR Jauan Jennings misses practice, unlikely to play against Chiefs

SANTA CLARA – It seems unlikely that Jauan Jennings will play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, Jennings missed practice again on Thursday due to a hip injury he suffered last Thursday in Seattle. Jennings hasn’t practiced since and wasn’t seen running on a side field with the other injured players. Which suggests his injury could be serious. Hip injuries are common.

Jennings has started two games this season and played just 59 percent of the offensive snaps. And yet he has been the 49ers’ leading receiver for six games. He has 25 catches, 404 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Deebo Samuel has 20 catches, 386 yards and 2 touchdowns and Brandon Aiyuk has 23 catches, 351 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Playing against the Chiefs without Jennings will be a challenge for the 49ers, as he was their best receiver in the Super Bowl against Kansas City. He was the only receiver who was able to win with any degree of consistency against the Chiefs’ tight man-to-man coverage. Had the 49ers won the game, Jennings likely would have been the Super Bowl MVP. So the 49ers need to find someone to replace his production.

Maybe they’ll activate rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall to the active roster for Sunday. Pearsall is currently on injured reserve since he was shot in the chest nearly two months ago, but he has been training all week without restrictions.

Don’t be surprised if Pearsall takes over Jennings’ role against the Chiefs.

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