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View Full Version : Jennings takes indefinite absence from 49ers



Gunzlingr
10-05-2007, 11:39 AM
The San Francisco 49ers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=sfo) will have a new starting quarterback this week and, unexpectedly, a new left offensive tackle protecting his blind side.

http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nfl/profiles/players/mugs/65x90/2644.jpg Jennings

Coach Mike Nolan said that seventh-year veteran tackle Jonas Jennings (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5543) will miss at least the Sunday game against the Baltimore Ravens (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=bal) after being excused for a personal matter. The issue for Jennings, stressed Nolan, is not injury-related. It is not known how long Jennings, who is expected to remain in the Bay Area, will be away from the team.
For now, the 49ers have characterized his excused absence as indefinite.
"It's a private matter, and I don't want to say any more about it," Nolan told local reporters. "Although I don't know an exact time right now -- we have the bye after this week -- he will come back at some point."
Third-year veteran Adam Snyder (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7270), who has started 14 games in his career at both tackle and guard, will replace Jennings in the lineup. He will be counted on to protect veteran Trent Dilfer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=2900), who is replacing injured starting quarterback Alex Smith (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7177), from the typically fierce Ravens' pass rush.
San Francisco surrendered six sacks in last week's loss to Seattle and Dilfer is not as mobile as Smith, who is expected to miss two or three weeks with a separated shoulder.
Nolan conceded the departure of Jennings, who did not practice on Thursday, was abrupt. Neither Jennings nor his agent could be reached for comment.
Jennings, 29, signed with the 49ers as an unrestricted free agent from Buffalo, netting a seven-year, $36 million contract that included $12 million in guarantees. His performance in two seasons in San Francisco has been marked at times by inconsistency and injuries. The former University of Georgia standout has missed 16 games in two seasons with injuries.
A third-round draft choice of the Bills in 2001, Jennings played four seasons in Buffalo before joining the 49ers. He started the first four games of this season, and for his career has played in 72 games, all as a starter.

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