49ers’ Week 1 practice: Status reports on Aiyuk, McCaffrey, Williams
SANTA CLARA — The 49ers’ Super Bowl aftermath, an emotionally draining offseason fraught with contract issues and a harrowing life-threatening incident, gave way Tuesday morning to regular-season practice.
Players reconvened after a four-day break to take part in an hour session, and it was a who’s-who of stars in attendance.
Here is a status report regarding key persons of interest:
Running back Christian McCaffrey: His wrists were taped, his white cleats looked fresh, and his familiar pre-practice handshakes were doled as he suited up for his first practice since an Aug. 4 calf strain. McCaffrey had worked out on the side in recent weeks as he prepares to defend his NFL rushing crown. Although he had a calf strain in last regular season’s penultimate game, at Washington, he did not appear hindered during the playoffs.
Left tackle Trent Williams: Pulling back on his No. 71 jersey for his 15th NFL season, Williams showed up for practice, tied his cleats with the assistance of an equipment car and then exchanged bear hugs with running backs coach Bobby Turner and strength coach Dustin Perry. His private jet arrived from Houston at 3:34 a.m. as his agent, Vincent Taylor, finalized contract details that will end his holdout that’s drawn over $4 million in fines.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk: An extra bounce in his step? That is how it looked in the 5-minute media window as he zig-zagged through teammates in the stretch line. Last Thursday’s agreement to a market-rate contract extension (four years, $120 million) brought the 49ers’ leading receiver since 2023 back into the fold.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall: Only three days since getting shot in the chest by an attempted robber in Union Square, Pearsall is at the 49ers’ facility, and coach Kyle Shanahan chatted briefly with him outside the weight room as practice began. The rookie is not practicing and has been ruled out for at least the first four games. He also was in the 49ers’ weight room on Monday talking to team members about the incident, radio analyst Tim Ryan said on KNBR 680-AM. Pearsall was released from San Francisco General Hospital a day after the incident and the 49ers placed him Monday on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings: He’s returned to practice after an oblique injury two weeks ago cut short his preseason and his practice time.
Running back Isaac Guerendo: The rookie speedster continues to work on the side. He was shut down from practice after a groin strain in his preseason debut, which included a 93-yard kick return. A hamstring injury the first practice of camp kept him from practicing for four weeks.
Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos: He has not been seen at practice since a right knee injury in the Aug. 23 preseason finale put in doubt when he’ll make his 49ers regular-season debut.
Cornerback Isaac Yiadom: Possibly the 49ers’ No. 3 cornerback, he is practicing, a positive sign after his return last week from an ankle injury that kept him out nearly two weeks.
Left guard Aaron Banks: He’s recovering from surgery three weeks ago to his left hand’s pinky. It shelved him from practice since then.
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NEW NUMBERS
0: Cornerback Renardo Green\
6: Safety Malik Mustapha
19: Wide receiver Jacob Cowing
31: Running back Isaac Guerendo
81: Wide receiver Trent Taylor (practice squad)
84: Wide receiver Terrace Marshall (practice squad)
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NOTES
On the 49ers’ depth chart, rookie Jacob Cowing is listed as the 49ers’ punt returner with Ronnie Bell as his backup. At kick return, the 49ers list Jordan Mason, Isaac Guerendo and Bell.
Linebacker DaShaun White was signed to the practice squad; wide receiver Tay Martin was released.