Niners' Jennings rollin’ a bit bumpier

<p>NAPA — After three turbulent seasons with the 49ers, it’s a fair question to ask offensive tackle Jonas Jennings.</p><p>Is he is still rollin’ with Nolan? Jennings coined the phrase March 3, 2005, the day he left the Buffalo Bills after four seasons to sign a seven-year, $36 million contract with the 49ers.</p><p>Jennings’ words — “I’m rollin’ with Nolan” — at the news conference to announce his signing epitomized the contagious optimism that abounded with the hiring of coach Mike Nolan. The move signified a new time for the 49ers’ franchise after the Terry Donahue-Dennis Erickson era bottomed out with a 2-14 record in 2004.</p><p>Three years later, things have not gone according to plan — for Jennings, Nolan or the 49ers.</p><p>“He knows how it is,” Jennings said of Nolan. “He knows and I know, and that’s good enough for me. I’m not bringing that out. It is what it is. He’s the head coach and I’m the player. That’s it.”</p><p>Although the full details have never surfaced, there was clearly tension last season between Nolan and Jennings, whose one-week leave of absence in the middle of the season was described as a mutual decision. There were also whispers about Jennings becoming an outcast in the locker room.</p><p>“If I was that big of a problem — if any of that was true — why am I still around?” Jennings said. “You have to add it up for yourself. You know what I’m saying?”</p><p>Jennings’ season came to an end when he was placed on injured reserve against his wishes. He underwent arthroscopic ankle surgery in early November. Jennings believes he could have played more games. He suited up just five times last season.</p><p>Nolan has been frustrated with Jennings’ lack of durability. Jennings played just 21 games the past three seasons with the 49ers as the starting left tackle. This season, Nolan moved Jennings to right tackle. Jennings admits he is not happy with the decision, but has vowed to be a “team player.”</p><p>“The last few years it’s been a difficult situation for us because Jonas has been nicked up,” Nolan said. “When that happens to your left-tackle position, it’s difficult on your offense.</p><p>“We had a very good relationship for the better part of three years. Last year, the episode we ran into did a little bit of damage, but not enough. He and I still communicate regularly. He knows me very well because we had a good relationship. I know Jonas well, and Jonas is a good player. He’s important to our football team. He knows I feel that way.”</p><p>Controversy, rumor and innuendo have followed Jennings throughout his time with the 49ers. Last season, Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott said on his KNBR radio show that Jennings was a disruptive force in the locker room. Jennings has been accused of lacking toughness and refusing to play with injuries.</p><p>“I don’t need to clear up nothing,” Jennings said. “I’ll let them think what they want to think. But nobody knows what really happened last year. First, I have personal problems, then I’m back at practice the next day. You do the math.</p><p>“(Reportedly) I have problems in the locker room, but then (it’s reported) everybody loves me in the locker room. You know what I’m saying? People are doing a lot of guessing and wishy-washy stuff. People will write things.</p><p>“There was the Ronnie Lott thing, and what he heard — that I don’t get along in the locker room. Well, why am I still around? I was just a permanent captain a year ago, and now I’m the scapegoat? It doesn’t add up to me.”</p><p>After he was placed on injured reserve, Jennings said he did not know if he would return for a fourth season with the 49ers. But he’s back. Jennings is scheduled to earn $3.45 million this season, but the organization signed veteran tackle Barry Sims and promised him the opportunity to compete against Jennings for a starting job.</p><p>Jennings said he has developed thick skin to handle the negativity.</p><p>“Some of this (expletive) you just don’t hear,” Jennings said. “There are no negatives in my mind. You know what I mean? People are going to have their opinions and think what they want to think. But if I’m such a bad guy, why am I still around? That’s the way I look at it. I know I didn’t do anything (wrong) but be hurt.”</p><p>Jennings disputes any notion that the injuries that kept him out of action with the 49ers were minor. Since coming to the 49ers, he has undergone two surgeries on his shoulder and an ankle scope. In 2006, Jennings underwent hand surgery during the season and did not miss a game.</p><p>“People don’t write about that (expletive),” Jennings said. “It’s always just the negative.”</p><p>The one season that Jennings played most of the time also happened to be the year the 49ers showed some promise on offense. Jennings started 13 games for the 49ers in 2006. Perhaps it’s no coincidence Frank Gore set a 49ers single-season rushing record with 1,695 yards.</p><p>“When you miss the amount of time I’ve missed, you just want to get back playing ball,” Jennings said. “There are things you can’t help. People talk a lot of (expletive) about it. But I’m the one who has to deal with it.</p><p>“This is something I love to do. I know when I’m well, I can be hell.”</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com</p>