Kawakami: 5 conclusions from the pending 49ers-Brandon Aiyuk breakup (paywall) “Unless you’re very connected to your teammates and coaches, it’s easy for any injured player to lose some touch with the spirit
and every-day mood of the team.
And Aiyuk’s not the most talkative player — probably one of the quietest players in the locker room. He’s an emotional guy and very popular figure; but rehabbing on a side field can be an isolating thing for a player who already had some disconnect to at least part of the 49ers’ perspective.“
Amid acrimony, Kyle Shanahan ‘holding out hope’ Brandon Aiyuk plays for 49ers again (paywall)
“Shanahan did say Aiyuk hasn’t been cleared to practice by the team’s medical staff and remains “week to week,” which, if accurate, means Aiyuk hasn’t refused to return to the field when he’s healthy enough to do so. However, Shanahan suggested Aiyuk’s unspecified actions during the offseason caused the 49ers to void his guaranteed 2026 money before the start of training camp in late July. After Shanahan declined to explain the reason for the voiding, he was asked if it was tied to Aiyuk’s conduct.
“I think you can figure that out yourself,” Shanahan said. “It takes a lot of things to get a contract voided. … It was unusual, but that’s stuff that I can’t get into right now.”
Shanahan said Aiyuk hasn’t been attending meetings, but has continued to report to the team facility, noting he attended his rehab session on Thursday.
Given the recent acrimony, which was preceded by last year’s combative contract negotiations, the two sides appear destined for a split after this season, with the 49ers likely releasing Aiyuk. Last year, Aiyuk requested a trade during his contract stalemate. Interestingly, he told the NFL Players Association that he did not want to file a grievance when the 49ers voided his 2026 guarantees.
However, Shanahan insisted Aiyuk could remain on the roster next season.
“When it comes to the future of this, I would love for B.A. to be here,” Shanahan said. “I would love for him to get healthy and get back to really helping us out and being a part of this team. We haven’t had that in a little bit, and I still hold out hope that he can get there. But he obviously hasn’t gotten there yet.”
NFL Draft 2026 mailbag: Should top-five teams target QBs? Which WRs fit Bills, 49ers? (paywall)
“The two best receivers in this class are Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson and Ohio State’s Carnell Tate. When healthy, Tyson (6 feet 2, 200 pounds) is the most complete pass catcher in the class — and one of the most complete prospects we’ve seen in a minute. He does everything, and does it at full tilt. He creates space for himself, adjusts to poor throws, wins at the catch point and has established himself as an elite blocker.
Tyson, who had two catches for 61 in a win over Colorado on Saturday night, has had some pretty persistent injury issues. It’s the type of variable that could cause a talented player to tumble down the board a bit.
For teams picking in the back half of the first round, look at either Louisville’s Chris Bell (6-2, 227) or Washington’s Denzel Boston (6-4, 210). Bell is a uniquely shaped WR with big-time power and burst, both in the open field and at the catch point. I have speed concerns with Boston, but he’s outstanding in the air.
Further down the board, I’d point to players such as Alabama’s Germie Bernard (6-1, 209), Rutgers’ Ian Strong (6-3, 210) and maybe even North Dakota State’s Bryce Lance (6-3, 207), brother of Trey Lance. This receiver class continues to grow on me. Also keep an eye on Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt (6-2, 210), Florida State’s Duce Robinson (6-6, 220), Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields (6-4, 220) and USC’s Ja’Kobi Lane (6-4, 195).“
Five key 49ers players to watch in prime-time Week 12 game vs. Panthers
“Robinson has been a member of the 49ers since late in the 2021 season. This will be his first starting assignment, though it should have happened last year.
The 49ers decided Robinson would be the starter in Week 4 of last season. But shortly after coach Kyle Shanahan informed Robinson, he sustained a torn ACL during a special-teams portion of practice.
“He was about to have his moment and then he had that setback, which I know crushed the team for him,” Shanahan said. “He is one of the most-liked guys on our team. He’s as good of a person, as good of a dude, as I’ve ever been around. And he’s worked for this moment and we’re excited to see him get his opportunity.”
