Shanahan discusses Aiyuk, Williams, plan for 49ers starters vs. Saints

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday to discuss several prominent topics, including the contract situations of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and tackle Trent Williams.

Aiyuk, after requesting a trade, reported to training camp but has refrained from practicing until his situation is resolved. The 49ers are hopeful of working out a contract extension with their star wideout, but the direction of the talks remains uncertain. If negotiations falter, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly poised to make a move for Aiyuk.

Shanahan expressed that he wishes there were updates on Aiyuk's situation, but unfortunately, there aren't any at this time.

"I feel like we've been in the same situation for a while, so there's still plenty of options, plenty of directions that can happen, and we're still trying to get to the bottom of it and figure it out, but nothing has changed in that way," Shanahan said.

Meanwhile, Williams has not reported to training camp as he holds out for a restructured contract, ideally one with more guaranteed money.

"We're having a lot of discussions with his agent," Shanahan shared. "Trent's not here right now, obviously not at camp. I believe he's in Houston, but I'm not sure. But we're talking with his agent a lot, and hopefully, we can figure it out.

"As I've said the whole time, I am optimistic we will, but, of course, the sooner, the better."

As the 49ers prepare for their preseason game on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints at Levi's Stadium, Shanahan addressed the team's plan for the starters. Most of the starters sat out the preseason opener, with the initial hope being that they would get significant work during joint practices with the Saints. However, those sessions were canceled due to injury concerns.

The 49ers' first-team units each logged around 40 snaps during Thursday's practice. With Week 1 fast approaching, the question remains: How much time will the starters see over the weekend?

"It was a grinder out there today (at practice)," Shanahan said. "We'll get in here and we'll watch the film, really, right when I get off with you guys, and then we'll have a big one tomorrow. And after that, we'll evaluate where our guys are.

"I'd like to get the starters in the game just a little bit, not much, but depending on their health and how they feel after these three practices, I'd like to get most of them in there, maybe a series or two.

"Usually, we play them more in the third game, but I'd like them to at least start it. And after that, just evaluate, and giving these guys a chance to make our team, where it's all close. And we got a bunch of close positions, battling for those last few guys, and also getting guys ready for all the situations that they're going to face on Monday night versus the Jets."

Shanahan chose not to disclose which starters fans might see on Sunday. The plan isn't finalized yet, as the team has one more practice before the game.

"But I would like to get our starters a drive," Shanahan revealed. "I'm not going to say [the plan for] each person. There'll be a few people based off some situations that we could hold out. Each position is different, too."

Shanahan noted that injuries and discussions with his coaching staff are also key factors in the decision-making process.

"And then I always talk to the player, too, if it's a guy that's been through it and knows what it takes to get ready for Week 1," Shanahan said. "So a lot of factors go into it, but I always think it does help to kind of go through that routine a little bit. But it will be a short week next week. If we had a week in between, that could be different. When you play on Sunday, and your next game's on Friday, it's not quite a Thursday night turnaround, but it's pretty darn close."

You can listen to the entire conversation with Shanahan below.

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