San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan isn't spending much time thinking about disgruntled receiver Brandon Aiyuk after he filed for reinstatement this week. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Shanahan said he had no expectations for Aiyuk's return and had already moved on from the possibility of having him back in the lineup despite the recent news.
"Kind of moved on with that mentally," Shanahan said. "Nothing's really changed for me."
#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan was asked about Brandon Aiyuk and the fact he could show up Friday:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 4, 2026
"I have no expectation. I’ve kind of moved on with that mentally.” https://t.co/xnPfCbdKKo pic.twitter.com/Z4nQ69KL8i
Aiyuk took a step toward returning to the 49ers after submitting the paperwork necessary to be reinstated,
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. Aiyuk's new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said the receiver is healthy and ready to get back on the field after being the team's reserve/left squad list all year. Per Schefter, Aiyuk is expected to report to the team's training facility Friday afternoon.
However, Shanahan indicated he hasn't even begun considering the next steps for Aiyuk, including whether the team would pursue a roster exemption or revisit its options before the trade deadline. The 49ers have several potential paths forward, including releasing Aiyuk, trading his contract or allowing him to rejoin the team. The latter seems unlikely given how the relationship has deteriorated over the past two years, meaning he'll more than likely be let go and allowed to pursue a deal with any other franchise.
Aiyuk missed most of the 2024 season with a torn ACL, spent 2025 away from the team and had the guaranteed money in his four-year, $120 million contract voided. San Francisco's leadership has also made clear he isn't part of its plans this offseason throughout the whole saga.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Kyle Shanahan has 'moved on mentally' from Brandon Aiyuk
