Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
John Lynch says 49ers want Brandon Aiyuk to ‘really assert himself,’ become a true No. 1 receiver
Sep 16, 2021 at 5:46 PM
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San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch joined KNBR's
Tolbert, Krueger & Brooks show this afternoon. He was asked about the situation with wide receiver
Brandon Aiyuk, which was probably blown out of proportion this week.
Entering the season, expectations were high for the second-year wideout, who had an impressive rookie campaign. Aiyuk was seen as a potential number one receiver for the team. Instead, on Sunday, that turned out to be third-year receiver
Deebo Samuel, who racked up an impressive 189 receiving yards and a touchdown on 9 catches.
Aiyuk split time with Trent Sherfield and didn't see a single target in the game. It wasn't the sophomore debut most were expecting. As a result, some started to wonder if Aiyuk might be in the 49ers' doghouse, an idea that offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel
shot down earlier today.
"He didn't do anything wrong," Lynch said. "... I understand people see him and see Trent Sherfield coming in here. We have big expectations for Brandon, and we also understand, to get where we want to get, we need Brandon to really assert himself. He's got big-time talent in there.
"I think when you've been nicked up in camp, it's hard to get in that groove. Meanwhile, Sherfield went out there and just was very consistent throughout camp. So, he's earned opportunities.
"The great thing is we play three guys. I think Aiyuk, we would love for him to develop into like a true number one receiver. We think he has that in him. So to do that, he just needs to stay out there.
"He had a very good week of practice. We're encouraged by that. Brandon's spirits are good. And we're all good over here. I know everyone's wondering, but I think that will play itself out just fine."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Lynch below.
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