The future of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains uncertain. He has neither practiced during training camp nor played in any preseason games, as he "holds in" while seeking a contract extension or a trade. Resolving this situation is a priority for the 49ers, especially with Week 1's matchup against the New York Jets fast approaching.
The Jets, who allowed the third-fewest total yards and the second-fewest passing yards last season, will present a significant challenge. The 49ers would benefit from being at full strength for this matchup.
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Aiyuk isn't the only wide receiver issue for the 49ers. First-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall has missed much of training camp due to a re-aggravated shoulder injury. He has yet to appear in a preseason game and is unlikely to play in Friday's preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Pearsall will not practice this week, leaving the rookie with minimal time to prepare for a significant role against the Jets.
If Aiyuk is not signed soon or Pearsall does not return to practice quickly, the 49ers may find themselves with limited depth behind Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings, who are currently set as the Week 1 starters. Fans will likely get a preview of what that might look like on Friday when several starters are expected to participate in the final preseason game, a dress rehearsal for the regular season.
"I'd like the starters to play," Shanahan said. "We'll see how today and tomorrow go, but that's the plan."
Once the starters are done for the night, coaches will evaluate the remaining wideouts as they prepare for the tough decisions required for the 53-man roster cutdown. Receivers battling for roster positioning—or just roster spots—include Trent Taylor, Danny Gray, Jacob Cowing, Chris Conley, and Ronnie Bell.