Jauan Jennings showed a lot of enthusiasm when he stepped in front of reporters after Tuesday's practice. As was the case for so many San Francisco 49ers players last season, injuries kept Jennings off the field. A seventh-round draft pick last year, the wide receiver had an opportunity to contribute in a game on Saturday night against the Kansas City Chiefs in the team's first preseason game.
"It's been fun," Jennings told reporters after Tuesday's practice. "I'm still learning every day. I don't think today was my best day but I have just learning. ... I love football. It's a very physical sport."
Jennings' head coach, Kyle Shanahan, was excited to see the 24-year-old receiver make the most of his time on the football field this past weekend. Jennings played a hefty 38 snaps, catching one pass for 26 yards and carrying the football twice for 23 yards.
"You could tell how much he enjoys playing the game," Shanahan said on Monday. "How good his hands were, how physical he plays. Didn't light up the combine or anything, which we mess with him over, but that's his game. I mean, it's old school, and he goes out there, and he competes."
Shanahan and the coaching staff thought Jennings might help the team out late last season when several receivers were lost to injuries and the COVID-19 list. However, a hamstring injury kept Jennings off the field.
Jennings was asked how he maximized his time while sidelined.
"Just grinding," he responded. "A lot of grinding, offseason work, changing my diet. Out here, just working my tail off. Just trying to be the best player to help this team win. That's it."
Jennings can't really gauge if he is better now than he was last year. After all, he only has one preseason game under his belt so far. Jennings feels better but is looking forward to using the next two weeks to prove he belongs on the roster.
"It's been nice for him to get back, get healthy," Shanahan said. "And it was good to see him in his first game. That's how he looked in college."