When the San Francisco 49ers beat the Detroit Lions last Sunday, there were a few surprises, including wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk only playing 25 snaps in the game, having no passes come his way.
49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was asked about Aiyuk's lack of targets.
"You know, it's one of those things that, our offense, you see it every season; it's a week-by-week offense," Garoppolo said Tuesday morning on KNBR's Murph & Mac show. "One guy, this week is his number. Next week, it's the other guy. It's just one of those things that you can't get too caught up in it. We're only one week into this thing, and [Aiyuk], he had a hell of a training camp too. It didn't go unnoticed from the quarterbacking, that's for sure.
"But, you know, it's just a matter of time. He's going to have his time, and when his number's called, I know B.A. is going to be ready. He always is."
According to Pro Football Focus, Aiyuk had one of the lower grades on Sunday, among offensive players, coming in at 51.6. Many have speculated whether Aiyuk is still injured, or if he is in head coach Kyle Shanahan's doghouse, as other promising young wide receivers have found themselves in seasons past (see Pettis, Dante).
Shanahan responded to that suggestion during his Monday news conference. Asked if there was any reason (other than health) that caused Aiyuk to have a smaller role on offense, Shanahan answered, "No. I just think he's got a better person behind him this year in training camp and with Aiyuk missing some time and how well Trent Sherfield played, and especially with Aiyuk missing some time heading into that game, it wasn't a very tough decision. We were going to rotate them throughout the game."
Coach and quarterback both appear to still believe in Aiyuk. The talented young receiver had a promising rookie season, and will have another chance this Sunday to make his mark.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Garoppolo below.