Maybe Jones is just defending his teammate after a rough year. But there’s no denying Jennings has fallen short in 2025. It’s disappointing to see one of the 49ers’ most popular players jeopardize his legacy, though San Francisco’s move to include performance-based incentives suddenly looks very smart.

Sunday's game against the New York Giants has huge implications on the NFC standings for the San Francisco 49ers, so these five players must step up.

The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a disappointing loss to the Houston Texans, and now they have to go across the country for a game against the New York Giants. Following a season-ending injury to Cam Skattebo, the Giants are searching for answers on the offensive side of the ball.

The New York Giants will be without CB Paulson Adebo and CB Cor'Dale Flott against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 9.

Yet there is evidence the praise for Dart isn’t hyperbole. He starred at Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin, and was the only quarterback other than No. 1 overall selection Cam Ward to go in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, with the Giants taking him at No. 23 overall.

One of the reasons the 49ers value Jennings so much is his role in the run game. The team believes the best is yet to come from him.

Quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall were both banged up in the 49ers' Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Neither player has played since then and the early returns from their first Week 9 practice indicate they could be headed toward a similar fate.

In 2022, the four-time Pro Bowler recorded 15.5 sacks with the New England Patriots. At 33 years old, Judon could provide a spark to the 49ers' struggling pass rush. San Francisco wouldn't be tied to him in the long term either. This offseason, Judon signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Dolphins, making him a cheap and temporary option.