49ers star Jauan Jennings’ blunt reaction to heated moments with Kyle Shanahan
The San Francisco 49ers’ injury-weary season encountered a fresh setback in Week 6, resulting in a 30-19 road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before 62,411 fans. Amid the team’s struggles, wide receiver Jauan Jennings was at the center of an on-field confrontation with head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The sideline confrontation occurred late in the first half with San Francisco trailing 20-16. Reports indicate that Shanahan confronted Jennings after a play in which teammate Demarcus Robinson dropped a pass, but later redeemed himself with a 31-yard reception. The exchange escalated quickly, requiring intervention from the team’s sideline staff and Shanahan’s security detail to de-escalate the situation.
When asked about the incident after the game, Jennings said, “Ask him,” (h/t Vic Tafur of The Athletic).
Shanahan, meanwhile, gave more than a two-word response.
“It was just an intense, competitive conversation between two people at the end of the second quarter, but we’re good,” he said.
Jennings played through significant injuries, including ankle, shoulder, and rib issues, even revealing after the game that he was carrying five broken ribs. As a result, the 28-year-old’s contributions were limited, catching only one pass for seven yards on three targets. He also committed a false start to start the second half and drew two penalties, exceeding his single reception for the game.
Before Sunday, Jennings had started three games this season, collecting nine receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown. On the season, he now totals 10 catches for 136 yards and a touchdown.
Jennings is in the final year of a two-year, $15.4 million deal signed in May 2024, with incentives potentially boosting his 2025 salary to $10.5 million. He requested a trade during the offseason, leaving his future with the team uncertain, a situation the team later resolved. After a career-high 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns last season, Jennings’ role has expanded. However, injuries and limited practice time, having participated in only two full sessions since the regular season began, have affected his performance and may impact his free agency value.
The 49ers roster has been decimated by injuries. Starting quarterback Brock Purdy missed Sunday’s game as he continues to recover from a toe injury, and defensive stars Nick Bosa (torn ACL) and Fred Warner (broken and dislocated ankle) are out for the season. Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and George Kittle have also been dealing with injuries.
Despite this, San Francisco has maintained a 4-2 record. They will take on the Atlanta Falcons on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 7.
Justin Fields’ collapse just confirmed what Steelers fans already knew
Life comes at you fast in the NFL, and former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is finding that out in earnest this season. After a relatively successful stint in Pittsburgh last year and a great start against them in Week 1, it's been all downhill since for the New York Jets QB.
Things were already bad through five games, but his Week 6 game against the Denver Broncos in London was a new low. Despite the Jets' defense finally showing up, Fields and the offense failed to capitalize as they fell 13-11.
The offense can't even take credit for two of those points, as a penalty in the endzone by the Broncos caused a safety. Now sitting at 0-6, Fields' future with the Jets (and as a starting QB) is hurdling towards a sad conclusion.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields' career as a starter may be coming to a close
Fields' physical talent and draft pedigree have earned him multiple chances to be a starter in the NFL, but his performance thus far with the Jets may be the final nail in the coffin for his career. The talent and coaching around him are far from elite, but he has proven to be the same player who was ousted from Chicago.
He took nine sacks against the Broncos, including a game-ending one on fourth down. Every dropback felt like watching a car crash, and it seemed like Fields had no idea where to go with the football when under pressure. That has been the story of his career, and year five seems to be no different.
Unless the athletic passer can figure out how to better utilize his physical talent to make plays under pressure, he will continue to struggle without perfect play from the rest of his offense. He showed signs of improvement in Pittsburgh last season, but that looks like a mirage six weeks into 2025.
Head coach Aaron Glenn seems to have no plans to bench the struggling QB, but it won't be long before he has no choice unless he wants to lose the locker room. Veteran backup Tyrod Taylor may not be a huge upgrade, but he has to be a better option than what Fields has proven to be.
If he does end up on the bench this season, it may take an injury or a desperate team for him to earn another start in the NFL. It will also put any doubts about the Steelers' decision to swap him with Aaron Rodgers to bed.
