49ers' Jennings expected to play against Saints: "Scans of Jennings' shoulder came back clean."

The San Francisco 49ers face significant personnel challenges ahead of their matchup against the New Orleans Saints, with key players nursing injuries.

Why it matters: The outcome of this game could hinge on the availability of star players, especially as the 49ers aim to maintain momentum in a competitive NFC West.
The 49ers currently sit in a precarious position, with injuries affecting multiple key positions that could shift the dynamic of their offensive strategy.

What’s new: Jauan Jennings is expected to play despite a left shoulder injury, while Trent Williams status remains uncertain pending pregame warmups.

• Jennings had previously left the Week 1 game against Seattle due to his shoulder but has received clean scans, alleviating concerns considerably.
• Williams, however, is critical to protecting whoever is under center, and if he cannot go, rookie Spencer Burford will step in at left tackle.

Yes, but: The absence of Brock Purdy compounds the 49ers' difficulties, as the young quarterback's dual-threat ability has been vital for their offense this season.

• Purdy's left shoulder and toe injuries have sidelined him, necessitating adjustments in play-calling and potentially a more conservative approach from the coaching staff.
• With George Kittle also on injured reserve due to a hamstring issue, the 49ers lose a major weapon in both the passing and run game.

What to watch: Monitor Trent Williams performance during warmups, as his participation will significantly impact the offensive line's effectiveness against the Saints' defense.

• If Williams plays, the 49ers can better implement their zone-blocking schemes designed to maximize their running game, which has been a hallmark of Shanahan's offensive philosophy.
• Conversely, without Williams, the team may lean more heavily on short passes and quick releases to mitigate pressure on the quarterback.

By the numbers: Cooks caught 57 passes for 699 yards and three touchdowns last season, making him a valuable asset for Dallas.
While the Saints prepare to exploit the 49ers’ weakened roster, they will likely focus on challenging the secondary and exploiting mismatches created by the absence of key players.

The bottom line: As the 49ers gear up for their showdown with the Saints, the interplay of injuries will be pivotal in determining their ability to execute their game plan effectively.
With crucial players like Jennings still in the lineup but others like Purdy and Kittle out, the team's depth and adaptability will be tested in what promises to be a hard-fought contest.