Santa Clara, Calif. – Wide receiver became the center of attention on the first day of the 49ers’ training camp, as Jauan Jennings stood out with a strong performance despite ongoing contract negotiations, while Jacob Cowing was forced to leave early due to a hamstring injury.

Jennings takes a different path than Aiyuk – and it’s all about action

A year after Brandon Aiyuk skipped training camp due to contract issues, Jennings—who’s also seeking a new deal to replace the final year of his two-year, $15.4 million contract—chose a completely different route: show up, lock in, and let his play do the talking.

Jennings greeted head coach Kyle Shanahan with a warm hug at the start of practice and quickly set the tone, hauling in three catches during team drills.

“You always want your best players out there,” Shanahan said. “Jauan has been a tremendous player for us, one of our leaders. He had a great practice. It was awesome having him on the field.”

A bigger role awaits Jennings in 2025

Originally a seventh-round pick in 2020, Jennings has quietly become one of Brock Purdy’s most trusted weapons, especially following a breakout 2024 season with 77 receptions, 975 yards, and six touchdowns.

Now with Deebo Samuel traded to Washington and Aiyuk recovering from a knee injury, Jennings is poised to take on a major role in the 49ers’ offense this season.

Tight end George Kittle praised Jennings’ mindset:

“Jauan was his usual self—positive energy in the locker room, locked in on the field. I admire how he’s attacking this camp like there’s nothing else going on.”

Injury setback for Cowing – a blow to receiver depth

Not all news from camp was positive. Jacob Cowing, a young receiver who impressed during the offseason program, suffered a hamstring injury while running a route and left practice early.

Coach Shanahan said they’re still waiting for full details but hope it’s not serious. “He had a similar issue last year, so we’re being cautious,” he said.

Cowing played only 106 offensive snaps in 2024 and recorded just four catches, but the team was expecting him to step up in 2025.

A new field layout and a competitive kicking battle

The 49ers also unveiled a new practice field orientation, switching from north-south to east-west. This created a full 165-yard field alongside a shorter one. Shanahan joked that it threw him off.

“I was dizzy out there,” he laughed. “I’ve been standing in the same spot for nine years. I didn’t know where to go.”

Meanwhile, the kicking competition between Jake Moody and veteran Greg Joseph is heating up. Both were perfect on their four field goal attempts during Day 1.

Moody, a 2023 third-rounder, struggled last season with just 5-of-14 makes from beyond 40 yards after returning from an ankle injury. Joseph, on the other hand, has an 82.3% career success rate since 2018.

Even star pass rusher Nick Bosa admitted:

“I’m paying attention to that battle. I can’t lie.”