Star 49ers receiver Aiyuk expected to end 'hold in,' despite lack of contract extension
The San Francisco 49ers were hopeful star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk would return to the practice field for the first time this summer on Wednesday, despite being no closer to signing a long-term extension with the team.
Coach Kyle Shanahan spoke Wednesday before the team held its first practice since reducing the roster to 53 players and said he hoped that Aiyuk would be on the field after a lengthy contract "hold in."
"I know he's been cleared by our doctors, so I hope that he's out there practicing today," Shanahan said.
Aiyuk skipped the entire offseason program as he sought a long-term extension or a possible trade to a team willing to pay him. He reported to training camp in July to avoid fines but has refused to practice without a deal, with Shanahan citing a back injury as the official reason.
With Shanahan saying that Aiyuk has been cleared by doctors, he could be subject to fines or other punishment if he refused to practice.
When asked to what extent Aiyuk would be involved in practice, Shanahan said that the receiver would likely just do individual drills with quarterbacks and "not go against guys."
Aiyuk had been set to play on the fifth-year option worth about $14.1 million this season and wanted San Francisco to make him the latest receiver to cash in with a long-term deal. Eleven receivers before Aiyuk had signed contracts worth at least $70 million already this offseason with Justin Jefferson's four-year, $140 million extension with Minnesota setting the top of the market.
Aiyuk had been a key part of San Francisco's offense last season as he formed a great connection with quarterback Brock Purdy. Aiyuk had 75 catches and a career-high 1,375 yards last season with seven touchdowns as he earned second-team All-Pro honors.
NOTES: Safety Talanoa Hufanga participated in individual drills in his first practice after a season-ending knee injury last November. ... RB Elijah Mitchell re-injured his hamstring on Monday and will undergo season-ending surgery. ... Rookie RB Isaac Guerendo tweaked his groin on Monday and won't practice this week. ... LG Aaron Banks (broken pinky) is expected back at practice next week and is on track to play in the opener.