All eyes were on the lookout for number 11 when the San Francisco 49ers took the field for their first practice since the 53-man roster cut-down. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch had both expressed hope that the disgruntled wide receiver would participate.
However, there was no sign of Aiyuk during the portion of practice open to reporters. With media no longer allowed to observe team drills as the 49ers begin preparations for their regular-season opener against the New York Jets, it's unlikely Aiyuk participated at all if he wasn't seen during warmups or individual exercises.
Photo of Brandon Aiyuk not at 49ers practice pic.twitter.com/KhiERg75lp
— KNBR (@KNBR) August 28, 2024
When asked before practice about potential disciplinary action should Aiyuk choose not to participate, Shanahan responded, "I'll deal with that when that happens, if that happens."
Lynch echoed the sentiment when asked the same question, saying, "Then we'll deal with that."
Lynch also admitted uncertainty whether Aiyuk would be on the field, telling reporters, "I think you'll see right with me. I know he's here today, and that's the expectation."
Both Lynch and Shanahan confirmed that Aiyuk has been medically cleared to practice. The receiver reportedly cited a "sore back" as a reason to sit out practices as he continued to "hold in" during training camp.
While Lynch remains optimistic that a deal can still be reached, he acknowledges the need for Aiyuk to return to practice, even if the situation isn't resolved to the player's satisfaction.
"At some point, you've got to play," Lynch concluded.
Other practice participation notes
Additionally, running backs Christian McCaffrey (calf) and Isaac Guerendo (groin), linebacker Dee Winters (ankle), defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), guard Aaron Banks (finger), and wide receiver Jauan Jennings (oblique) were absent from practice. However, McCaffrey, Guerendo, and Banks were seen working on the side.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) participated in practice wearing a blue no-contact jersey, while defensive end Leonard Floyd (knee) also took part.