49ers pregame: Jauan Jennings, Trent Williams suit up to help Mac Jones’ debut

NEW ORLEANS – Left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Jauan Jennings are suiting up, which should help Mac Jones’ starting debut for the 49ers.

Jennings (shoulder) and Williams (knee) were injured in last Sunday’s 17-13 win at Seattle, where Brock Purdy (toe, left shoulder) and George Kittle (hamstring) also got hurt.

Ruled out along with Purdy were linebacker Nick Martin, running back Jordan James, wide receiver Jordan Watkins, guard Drew Moss, defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson and offensive tackle Austin Pleasants, the latter of which signals the 49ers fully expect Williams to make it through the game.

Williams tested his knee with only a handful of pass-blocking reps 2 ½ hours before the game, then spent several minutes consulting with offensive line coach Chris Foerster and the 49ers’ medical staff.

Trent Williams is testing out his knee under a lot of watchful eyes

49ers left tackle is questionable pic.twitter.com/cYSz5bHqpz

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 14, 2025

Williams missed last season’s final seven games with an ankle injury. Since entering the NFL in 2010, Williams has played only two seasons without missing a game, in 2012 and ’13. He’s missed 16 games since joining the 49ers in 2021.

Neither Jennings nor Williams practiced Wednesday and Thursday.

Jennings left one snap into the fourth quarter, and examinations this pasts week reportedly revealed no significant damage to his left shoulder.

Running back Jordan James (finger) and wide receiver Jordan Watkins (ankle) were cleared to make their NFL debuts but will have to wait another week.

Backing up Christian McCaffrey are Brian Robinson Jr. and Isaac Guerendo.

Jones’ wide receivers will be Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Marquez Valdes-Scantiling, Kendrick Bourne, and Skyy Moore.

PURDY PRESENT

Purdy’s toe injury is forcing him to miss only his fourth start (third to injury) since becoming the 49ers’ quarterback in 2022. He was not wearing an orthopedic boot but rather sneakers as he arrived Sunday with the team.

The 49ers have stated that Purdy’s toe injury could keep him sidelined beyond this game, though it did not prompt them to put him on Injured Reserve for a minimum four-game hiatus.

TIGHT END PLAN

With Kittle placed on IR, he is out at least through the 49ers’ upcoming home games against Arizona and Jacksonville as well as an Oct. 2 trip to NFC West rival Los Angeles.

Brayden Willis was elevated from the practice squad to serve as the No. 3 tight end behind Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges, the latter of whom scored the game-winning touchdown last Sunday.

Brandon Staley’s time with the 49ers was unremarkable. His Saints defense is anything but

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SAINTS INACTIVES

Out for the Saints are starting left guard Trevor Penning, defensive end Chase Young, wide receiver Trey Palmer, defensive back Rejzohn Wright, offensive lineman Xavier Truss, and defensive linemen Jonathan Bullard and Khristian Boyd.