49ers ‘hoping’ Aiyuk will join Jets-focused practices ahead of season opener
SANTA CLARA — Brandon Aiyuk is expected to put on a 49ers uniform and practice today for the first time since last season’s Super Bowl run.
“Hope so. Haven’t gotten to see him today. I hope so,” coach Kyle Shanahan said an hour before practice. “I know he’s been cleared by his doctors so I hope he’s out there practicing today.”
“He has been cleared and we’re ready to roll,” added general manager John Lynch, also noting a “we’ll see” regarding whether Aiyuk indeed would practice or not.
Whether Aiyuk is finally drawing close to a market-rate extension or whether he’s surprisingly willing to play out his rookie contract on a $14.1 million salary, no one is tipping their hand in this offseason’s most protected business matter, which also spawned trade possibilities for the 49ers’ leading receiver since 2022.
“It’s reached a point where all options could happen, and nothing has changed on that,” said Shanahan, noting he “doesn’t really have any expectations” whether Aiyuk will be available for the Sept. 9 opener.
Shanahan said Aiyuk will be eased into his first practice since Super Bowl week in Las Vegas. That means no immediate work against defensive players, but individual and position drills. If Aiyuk is a no-show the way, he could be subject to fines, though Shanahan said “we’ll deal with that when that happens, if that happens.”
As for Aiyuk’s conditioning, Shanahan said: “I know what he’s told me. But I want to see it.” At training camp’s outset a month ago, back and neck injuries were unconvincingly cited by Shanahan for Aiyuk’s lack of participation amid his “hold-in.”
With Shanahan and general manager John Lynch meeting the media before practice, they surely intended to review Tuesday’s initial 53-man roster moves, but there would be no avoiding questions about Aiyuk as well as left tackle Trent Williams’ contract holdout.
Lynch offered “no updates” regarding Williams, other than to say: “There’s good communication. We’ve been throwing out ideas to have a breakthrough and it hasn’t happened yet.”
Williams has not spoken with Shanahan in recent days, and each passing day without a contract resolution “makes it harder and harder,” Shanahan said. “I’m optimistic things will work out with Trent. I’m not sitting here knowing what day it will be.”
Lynch would not reveal whether Williams has threatened to retire if a new deal is not hatched.
Shanahan noted he’s otherwise preparing to play without Williams and Aiyuk in the Sept. 9 opener against the New York Jets.
Aiyuk has previously expressed interest in joining the Washington Commanders and former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels. Tuesday, Commanders general manager Adam Peters was asked if he might make a “major move” before the season, and replied: “We’re always going to do what we think is best for the team. If a major move comes across and we talk through it and it’s best for the long run, we’ll talk through it. We’re not averse to it. But we’re not going to make a splash move just to make a splash move. … That group of eligible receivers is really good.”
GUERENDO, BANKS HEALTH UPDATES
Running back Isaac Guerendo “tweaked” his groin during Monday’s practice, thus sidelining the 49ers’ best kick-return threat at least the rest of the week, Shanahan said.
Monday’s practice took a more dire toll on fellow running back Elijah Mitchell, who aggravated a hamstring injury to the point that team doctors recommended season-ending surgery. Mitchell went on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, a move that Shanahan described as “terrible” for a well-liked teammates.
Left guard Aaron Banks, who recently had pinky surgery, will rejoin team drills next Tuesday when the 49ers return from their four-day break.
HUFANGA TIMELINE
Safety Talanoa Hufanga will make his practice deubt today, a day after getting activated off the Physically Unable To Perform list. “Gonna be judicious, be smart. He’s done a fabulous job with his rehab. Today’s a big step in his rehab. We’ll get him through individuals. Won’t do too much. Will he be ready Week 1? Not sure. Going to be tight. But it was telling to not keep him on PUP.”.
DEPTH CHART MYSTERIES
Shanahan said he’s yet to decide on whether Brandon Allen or Josh Dobbs is Brock Purdy’s immediate backup, noting that it’s been a neck-and-neck race and no announcement is needed until, well, opening night.
Rookie Dominick Puni has taken all first-team reps at right guard since Day 3 of camp, yet Shanahan was reluctant to publicly confirm Wednesday that Puni is the starter. “It’s going to be hard to take that from him,” Shanahan said.
PRACTICE SQUAD MAKEUP
Perhaps the most notable practice squad signing is veteran safety Tracy Walker III, who figures to be elevated to the game-day roster in Week 1 if Talanoa Hufanga’s ACL comeback warrants that backup plan.
Tight ends Brayden Willis and Mason Pline also returned with practice-squad assignments, while 2022 third-round pick Cam Latu did not and headed to the Browns’ practice squad, Lynch said.
A day after keeping George Kittle and Jake Tonges as their only tight ends, the 49ers reportedly will make 53-man roster room for veteran Eric Saubert, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reported. Saubert established himself as the No. 2 tight end throughout training camp and the preseason.
Rookie Tanner Mordecai was added to the practice squad, presumably to again be fourth in the quarterback rotation.
Other practice squad signings: wide receivers Trent Taylor and Tay Martin; defensive tackles T.Y. McGill and Evan Anderson; defensive end Jonathan Garvin; cornerback Chase Lucas; safety Jaylen Mahoney; and, offensive linemen Ben Bartch, Drake Nugent, Sebastian Gutierrez, and Isaac Alarcon on an Internation Player Pathway exemption.
One of two remaining practice-squad spots reportedly is ticketed for former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. “Excited to get him here,” Shanahan said. “We really had him high on our list coming out of college. To give him the opportunity to play on our practice squad and get a chance to see him, we think he’ll help our team.”
The extra spot could land on an offensive tackle.
WAIVER WIRE CLAIMS
Three ex-49ers were claimed off waivers: running back Cody Schrader, by the Los Angeles Rams; cornerback Sam Womack, by the Indianapolis Colts; and, offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston, by the Carolina Panthers.
Linebacker Jalen Graham, the 49ers’ final draft pick last year, reportedly joined the Commanders’ practice squad after being waived Tuesday.