The NFL announced on Saturday that it has fined San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings $11,817 for unnecessary roughness during Monday night's game against the Detroit Lions. Jennings is known to be the best-blocking wide receiver in the league. And he's gained a reputation for coming up with big catches in big moments, earning the nickname, "Third and Jauan."
During a first-quarter play on Monday night, Jennings blocked Lions CB Terrion Arnold out of the endzone. The block was impressive, but the Detroit defenders took exception to it. Both teams were hit with the same penalty on the play following a brief scuffle. Lions defensive backs, Arnold and Kerby Joseph were fined $11,817 and $7,505 for their part.
Last season, in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Jennings blocked one of the Green Bay Packers defensive backs off the field and to the bench. While his teammates and coaches appreciate the tenacity with which he blocks, GM John Lynch would like to see him stop when the whistle is blown.
"He maybe took it a little far, but I want that in a so-called meaningless game because I think guys like that, that's contagious competitiveness, and that's who Jauan Jennings is," Lynch said. "That's why we love him. Next time, you tell him, 'Hey, when you drive him through the end zone, you should probably stop.'
"And the good thing about Jauan is he's coachable. He'll listen. And so, I loved it. I think they're a tough football team. I've got a lot of respect for them. So, not advocating for things like that, but I love the spirit, is what I love."
This season, with wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk (injured reserve) and Deebo Samuel struggling at times, the 49ers and QB Brock Purdy have leaned on Jennings more in the passing game. The fifth-year wide receiver is only 77 yards away from having his first 1,000-yard receiving season.