Head coach Kyle Shanahan has explained that much of that is due to Aiyuk's earlier hamstring injury. That presented Sherfield with an opportunity, and the former Arizona Cardinal took advantage. The 49ers' offensive coordinator wanted to dispel any rumors that the young receiver might be in the team's doghouse.
"In-house with the 49ers, it's not like he's in the doghouse at all or anything," Mike McDaniel said after Thursday's practice. "But responding this week, he has been running his routes hard, crisp, and has gotten better with practice. It's very encouraging."
Aiyuk wasn't targeted in Week 1's 41-33 victory over the Detroit Lions. His role will likely increase this season, and that could start as early as this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. One teammate who believes in Aiyuk is the one who split reps with him this past weekend.
"Brandon, he's been growing every single day," Sherfield said. "I trained with Brandon in the offseason, and he's a special player, and I love to have him as a teammate. Not only him, Deebo [Samuel], [Mohamed Sanu], all the guys that we kept. It's been a very, very competitive room, and it's brought the best out of all of us.
"This week, he's responded really, really well. Not only just this week. He's been responding well, in my eyes, ever since spring has started. It's good to have good healthy competition all in the room, and I'm excited to see how it all pans out this Sunday for him. And I know he's going to go make some plays."
Aiyuk is coming off a strong rookie campaign that saw the receiver register 60 catches for 748 yards and five touchdowns through 12 games and 11 starts. We'll see if he can gain speed this weekend after going over a speed bump in Week 1.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Trade or release? 49ers insider weighs in on Brandon Aiyuk's future
The San Francisco 49ers appear headed for a split with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Whether that separation comes via trade or release remains unclear, but one thing seems certain: Aiyuk's time in red and gold is likely over. "I think it's safe to say that he's played his last... -
49ers GM John Lynch addresses Jauan Jennings' future, latest on Brandon Aiyuk
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch met with reporters Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, offering insight into the team's wide receiver situation as free agency approaches. With key decisions looming, the 49ers could see significant changes to... -
Brandon Aiyuk Trade Analysis: Weighing the Risks and Connections Between the 49ers and Commanders
The rumour mill is churning with speculation about a possible trade between the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Commanders involving disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. This article explores the key risks and connections of such a potential trade, while considering... -
49ers trade proposals: Two Mac Jones deals, Brandon Aiyuk's value
Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine looked at one trade for each NFL team, and three involved the San Francisco 49ers. Two centered on quarterback Mac Jones and one exploring the potential return for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Trade proposal No. 1: Mac Jones to the Vikings In...