49ers GM John Lynch Calls for NFL Investigation into Alleged Cheating in Jaguars’ Injury Report After Disappointing Loss
Following a 26–21 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4 at Levi’s Stadium on September 28, 2025, San Francisco 49ers general manager and president John Lynch publicly called on the NFL to investigate the accuracy of the Jaguars’ pregame injury report. Lynch expressed concern that several key Jaguars players—listed as questionable or unlikely to play—unexpectedly suited up, materially affecting the 49ers’ game plan and the outcome.
“We prepared based on the information that was released, but the unexpected appearances of certain Jaguars players forced us to adjust tactics on the fly,” Lynch said. “This doesn’t just impact our game plan; it could affect the competitive integrity of the league, especially with the rapid growth of legal sports betting. We urge the NFL to closely review the Jaguars’ injury-reporting process to ensure transparency.”
After opening the season 3–0 amid a severe injury crunch, the 49ers suffered their first loss of 2025 to fall to 3–1. San Francisco struggled with four turnovers (two fumbles and two interceptions), while the Jaguars’ defense capitalized to score 17 points off those mistakes. An 87-yard punt return touchdown by Parker Washington also proved pivotal in helping Jacksonville maintain its lead.
Lynch argued that incomplete or inaccurate information regarding players such as DE Travon Walker (who exited in the first quarter with a wrist injury) and S Eric Murray (neck injury in the second half) affected both the 49ers’ defensive and offensive planning. He added that the unexpected availability of certain Jaguars players not clearly reflected in the injury report forced hurried adjustments, contributing to miscues—citing, among others, six fumbles and a 1-for-3 conversion rate in the red zone.
Accurate disclosure of player status is a mandatory NFL requirement meant to ensure fair competition and uphold transparency in the sports-betting ecosystem. The 49ers contend that any inconsistencies in injury reporting can shift betting lines, influence wagering behavior, and erode public trust. “When information isn’t clear, it impacts not only teams but also fans and the legal betting industry,” Lynch emphasized.
San Francisco has asked the NFL to review all relevant materials, including the Jaguars’ weekly practice logs, Game Status Reports, inactive lists, and information distributed to media partners. The 49ers said they will provide full documentation and timelines to support the review.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, through a spokesperson, asserted that they fully complied with NFL injury-reporting rules. “All player status information was updated properly and on time,” the spokesperson said. The team declined further comment pending an official NFL response.
The loss to Jacksonville snapped the 49ers’ unbeaten run, and they now turn toward a short-week matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. With WR Ricky Pearsall leaving in the third quarter due to a knee injury, the 49ers underscored the importance of accurate injury reporting to avoid unnecessary competitive disadvantages going forward.
The NFL is expected to review the 49ers’ request in the coming days. If violations are found, the Jaguars could face fines, individual discipline, or competitive sanctions. Amid an intense 2025 season, the case could set an important precedent reinforcing the league’s transparency standards.
Given San Francisco’s own significant injury crisis, the 49ers argue they must be especially uncompromising about league-wide reporting standards. In their view, strict enforcement is essential not just for competitive fairness but also to protect teams already operating under heavy personnel strain.
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