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San Francisco 49ers Head coach Kyle Shanahan downplayed an intense bench dispute with disgruntled receiver Jauan Jennings that took place in the first half of Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, telling reporters this week that it was simply an “intense” conversation.
Jennings returned after missing last week’s game with rib and ankle injuries. But his impact on the field against the bucs was less than notable, with just one reception for 7 yards. He took more penalties than receptions, including a false start and a costly pass interference penalty.
Jauan Jennings (15) of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on September 28, 2025. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Tensions flared late in the first half when Jennings and Shanahan got into a heated conversation. According nbc sports, There were two player-coach interactions, including one in which wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson intervened and pushed Jennings away from Shanahan.
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That incident reportedly took place while Shanahan was still calling offensive plays in the final two minutes before halftime.
Immediately after the game, the coach insisted that the two were “fine.” Faced with further questions about the interaction on Monday, Shanahan downplayed it.
“I think when you’re at an intense football game and stuff like that, two people who know each other pretty well and are pretty competitive can have really intense conversations that don’t always turn out like a normal conversation, just hanging out with you after a press conference. But those are things that you don’t need to make too many assumptions about because it wasn’t anything that big of a deal.”
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Florida, on Oct. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
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He continued, “Yes, we were aggressive and intense in our conversations, but I think conversations like that can also bring people closer together and achieve better outcomes for them.”
After the game, Jennings lamented his injuries. He said he was playing with five broken ribs and a high and low ankle sprain.
Shanahan said Monday that he had no problem with Jennings revealing his injury list.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan calls a play during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on September 28, 2025. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
“Yeah, I think Jauan is in a good mental space. I think Jauan is a very emotional player. I think that’s one of the things that makes him great. So every time we have a tough loss like that, when he’s banged up and playing a lot of things, I don’t think he’s in the best mood, especially after a loss like that. But Jauan is good. Jauan completely fought to come play in that game. I know he’ll fight again to do it this week. “I’m full of love for Jauan and I just hope he can improve his health so he can get back out there and be more consistent with us.”
The 49ers have been plagued by injuries this season. They were already without defensive star Nick Bosa and the starting quarterback. Brock Purdy when four-time All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner suffered a season-ending ankle injury on Sunday.
