Professor

Private issue sidelines tackle Jennings

(10-04) 17:26 PDT Santa Clara -- Left tackle Jonas Jennings was excused from practice Thursday and will not be with the 49ers when they play the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday at Candlestick, coach Mike Nolan announced.

"He's got a personal matter he's dealing with," Nolan said after practice. "He will come back at some point. It's a private matter. I don't care to comment beyond that. It's a personal issue. He's healthy."

Nolan would not speculate on when Jennings might return to the team. The 49ers have a bye next week and play again Oct. 21 at the New York Giants.

Third-year player Adam Snyder will replace Jennings at left tackle Sunday. He was a third-round pick of the 49ers in 2005. Snyder has started 14 games in that span at tackle and guard.

Jennings was seen talking to team chaplain Earl Smith before Thursday's practice. Nolan said the issue with Jennings was unexpected. Todd France, Jennings' agent, could not be reached for comment.

"Our most important concern is the well-being of our players," Nolan said. "Obviously, you want your best players out there. I can't put a degree on" what Jennings' absence means.

Jennings, 29, came to the 49ers in 2005 as a free agent from the Buffalo Bills. He played in three games in '05 before a shoulder injury shelved him for the season. He started 13 games last year, missing three because of injuries.

Jennings is in his seventh year from the University of Georgia. He is single and lives in Atlanta in the offseason. Nolan said Jennings will remain in the Bay Area while he's away from the 49ers.

The 6-foot-6, 326-pound Snyder gives the 49ers a player with experience at left tackle. Snyder is projected as the starter at left guard in 2008 if Larry Allen decides to retire after 14 years.










Even more crap for Gore to deal with, am I right

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