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The San Francisco 49ers are getting prepared for their home opener on Thursday Night Football against the New York Giants, who will be without a number of key players, including star running back Saquon Barkley and left tackle Andrew Thomas.
Meanwhile, the 49ers are entering the game relatively healthy, save for one tough, game-time decision to make with WR Brandon Aiyuk, who is currently nursing a shoulder injury that he sustained during his first catch last week.
Aiyuk has been listed as limited on both Monday and Tuesday, earning him a questionable designation heading into the Thursday Night matchup, and a resolution likely comes only 90 minutes before game time.
Should the 49ers play Aiyuk in Week 3, given the injury?
49ers side
Speaking on Aiyuk's injury Tuesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan was noncommittal on the wideout's status for Thursday, but pointed out that he's trending enough in the right direction to be designated as limited in practice, rather than a "DNP".
The head coach shared that Aiyuk's pregame workout will likely indicate his status for Thursday, as reports have suggested that it is more of a "pain tolerance" issue.
Looking at the injury from an organizational perspective, I believe it would be in the 49ers' best interests to sit Aiyuk during Week 3.
Not only are the 49ers facing a short turnaround, but they're going up against a short-handed Giants team that will be without their starting left side of the offensive line, as well as their heartbeat in running back Saquon Barkley.
Aiyuk is an extremely valuable asset, and making the injury worse could have much bigger implications down the line.
The 49ers' first true test comes in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys and they'll need their entire team healthy for a tough battle that could potentially determine the No. 1 seed down the line if the season goes according to projections.
With a longer period of recovery following the Thursday Night game, the 49ers will have plenty of time to let Aiyuk rest his shoulder and be prepared in Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals.
But, point blank, the 49ers shouldn't need Aiyuk to win against a beaten-up New York Giants team, and should prioritize his long-term health, rather than make the situation worse in Week 3.
Aiyuk's side
Now, there are other factors at play here that also have long-term implications: Aiyuk's contract negotiations at the end of the season.
Aiyuk's contract negotiations will undoubtedly be based on his 2022 season, and his missing games decreases his chances of opportunity, and furthermore, the potential scope of his next contract.
Additionally, Aiyuk himself likely will push hard to play on Thursday, as he has been very durable throughout his career, having played in every game over the last two seasons.
There certainly is an argument that it's in Aiyuk's best interests financially to play, but the 49ers should push against that idea, prioritizing his health, especially as he seemed to grimace that shoulder at times during last week's game after the injury.
Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk weigh in on 49ers-Eagles showdown
By David Bonilla
Nov 27
The eagerly awaited Week 13 clash between the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles is on the horizon. Following a Thanksgiving roasting of the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers returned to the field on Monday for a bonus practice, gearing up for the NFC Championship Game rematch.
Wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk addressed reporters after practice, downplaying the emotional significance of Sunday's showdown between NFC powerhouses. Both players, vocal about their disappointment after last season's devastating defeat, had previously suggested that the better team failed to come out on top.
Regarding the upcoming rematch, Samuel told reporters,
Brandon Aiyuk: Philly hate made 49ers-Eagles "super fun"
By David Bonilla
Dec 3
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel excels at blocking out the noise. The San Francisco 49ers entered a hostile Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, gearing up for the much-anticipated NFC Championship Game rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Early on, it seemed like it could be a hard-fought battle. However, the 49ers eventually broke things open, securing a dominating 42-19 victory despite the very vocal hometown fanbase.
"I really wasn't even listening to them, to be honest," Samuel admitted after the game. "I was just so locked in and ignoring all the noise."
In contrast, Samuel's teammate, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, couldn't help but notice the passionate fanbase
49ers vs. Eagles Injury Report: Arik Armstead doesn't practice but insists he'll play
By David Bonilla
Nov 30
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 13 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Arik Armstead has been absent from practice throughout the week, sitting out Monday's bonus session and remaining out on Wednesday and Thursday due to a foot injury. Despite this, the determined defensive tackle insists that he will take the field on Sunday.
When asked if he plans to suit up against the Eagles, Armstead affirmed, "I'll be out there."
Meanwhile, running back Jordan Mason and wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud continue to be sidelined, with neither spotted on the practice field for the second consecutive day. Mason is grappling with a hamstring injury, while McCloud is out due to
Arik Armstead will play vs. Eagles; Ray-Ray McCloud among 49ers' 7 inactives
By David Bonilla
Dec 3
The San Francisco 49ers have released the list of inactive players for their Week 13 matchup on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. These seven players will not suit up for the game.
Inactives:
QB Brandon Allen
OL Ben Bartch
DL Robert Beal
RB Tyrion Davis-Price
LB Jalen Graham
WR Ray-Ray McCloud (rib)
TE Brayden Willis
Although the 49ers officially designated Arik Armstead as "questionable" for the Eagles matchup, the defensive tackle asserted that he would take the field this weekend. He missed practices on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday before being a limited participant on Friday.
San Francisco also listed running back Jordan Mason (hamstring) and wide receiver
