After the injury to Jauan Jennings, the San Francisco 49ers are signing wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.
49ers Sign Kendrick Bourne After Injury to Jauan Jennings
Kendrick Bourne is returning home to the San Francisco 49ers on a 1-year deal with a max value of $5 million, per @HenryOrgann and @AgentBigAl of @DisruptiveSports. pic.twitter.com/uBWDQgisSc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2025
Temporary receiver help is on the way in San Francisco.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday that Bourne and the 49ers have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with a max value of $5 million.
The 49ers originally signed Bourne as an undrafted free agent in 2017.
Bourne played four seasons in San Francisco, snagging 137 receptions for 1,769 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Bourne left San Francisco after the 2020 season and signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the New England Patriots. Bourne had a career year in 2021: 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns.
In March 2024, Bourne signed a three-year, $33 million extension with the Patriots. The 30-year-old missed the first five games of the season as he recovered from an ACL injury the previous year.
Bourne initially made the Patriots’ 53-man roster. However, New England later cut Bourne on August 27.
Less than two weeks later, Bourne returns to the team that gave him a shot out of college.
The 49ers’ pass-catchers have been decimated by the injury bug. Brandon Aiyuk is not projected to return from a knee injury until October.
Rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins is dealing with an ankle sprain, and DeMarcus Robinson is serving a three-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
During Week 1’s win over the Seattle Seahawks, Jennings left the game with a shoulder injury and is expected to miss time.
After Sunday’s game, Kyle Shanahan teased a potential reunion with Bourne.
“I know he hasn’t signed with anyone, so I know it’s a possibility we can get him,” Shanahan said via 95.7 The Game. “I know we’re still trying. Hopefully that can work out.”
“I know he hasn’t signed with anyone, so I know it’s a possibility we can get him. I know we’re still trying. Hopefully that can work out.”
Kyle Shanahan on possibility signing Kendrick Bourne pic.twitter.com/UwfAxkiN9x
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) September 7, 2025
49ers Pull Off Improbable Victory
Brock Purdy's game-winning TD to Jake Tonges had a completion probability of 14.7%, the most improbable completion of the week entering SNF.
Purdy was traveling 15.98 mph when he let it go, while Tonges had 0.4 yards of separation when the ball arrived.pic.twitter.com/puRF80uwSp
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 8, 2025
The 49ers had an unlikely hero save the day in Seattle.
Third-string tight end Jake Tonges caught a 50-50 ball in the end zone for a touchdown with under 95 seconds remaining to give the 49ers a 17-13 lead over the Seahawks.
Entering the game, Tonges had never recorded an NFL reception. On Sunday, his touchdown proved to be the difference.
Tonges came into the game after George Kittle left with a hamstring injury.
Quarterback Brock Purdy finished 26 of 35 for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Christian McCaffrey finished with 142 total yards on 31 touches.
Rick Pearsall led the way for the 49ers with 108 yards and four receptions.
The 49ers (1-0) travel to New Orleans to play the Saints on Sunday.
