Things got tense in The Bay when 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan saw wide receiver Jauan Jennings miss practice on both Wednesday and Thursday. But just as concern began to build, the story took a turn, Jennings returned for limited practice on Friday.

So, is he on track to suit up against the Saints this Sunday? NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport dropped some hints about the latest developments. “#49ers WR Jauan Jennings, suffering from a shoulder injury, is considered to be a game-time decision, source said. There is optimism he goes. But he’ll workout pregame to see,” Rapoport wrote on X.

Jennings didn’t have an easy run this year. He struggled through the offseason, battling injuries left and right. Things got worse in Week 1 against the Seahawks, where the 28-year-old had to leave the game early after just two catches for 16 yards. That shoulder injury has been a serious thorn in his side. Still, there was some good news earlier this week.

The wide receiver’s shoulder scans showed no serious damage, which was a big relief for coach Kyle Shanahan. At the same time, Shanahan is watching left tackle Trent Williams, who’ll test his knee before the game. If he can’t play, Spencer Burford will take his spot. Still, Shanahan, known for adjusting quickly, won’t let injuries hold back his game plan.

However, there’s another big shakeup in San Francisco’s lineup. Starting quarterback Brock Purdy won’t suit up due to left shoulder and toe injuries. Instead, Mac Jones will take the helm under center.

Kyle Shanahan will bet on Mac Jones amid Purdy’s injury

First off, things aren’t looking great for Brock Purdy. Ian Rapoport from NFL Network reported that Purdy will likely miss two to five weeks after suffering a variant of turf toe in Week 1 against the Seahawks.

The head coach didn’t mince words when he told reporters that Purdy is a long shot to play this week. In fact, the 49ers coach called it “essentially a variant of turf toe,” explaining the ligament injury affects the bottom of Purdy’s foot. So, the Faithful at Levi’s Stadium are bracing for a longer stretch without their starter.

With Purdy sidelined, Mac Jones will lead the 49ers offense moving forward. A seasoned starter since 2021, Jones has 49 career starts, including seven last year with the Jaguars, and says he’s ready for the role. “[I’ve] been fortunate to kind of play a lot of different roles,” he said.

“At the end of the day, your job as a quarterback is to either hand it off or throw it. That’s how simple I’m going to keep it, and that’s when I play my best and when I have a low pulse and kind of just go out there and go through my reads,” Jones added.

Still, Jones hasn’t been very consistent. He has won only four of his last 14 starts, including two last year while filling in for Trevor Lawrence. The 49ers signed him mainly as a backup, but now Shanahan needs him to step up against New Orleans, and maybe even Arizona and Jacksonville after that.