The wideout had just nine receptions for 96 yards entering Week 8. He had four catches for a season-high 45 yards during Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears. Some wondered if Aiyuk was in head coach Kyle Shanahan's doghouse.
"I wouldn't call it the doghouse," quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo told Damon Bruce and Ray Ratto during a conversation on 95.7 The Game. "I think he was just finding his way, I guess you could say. His role wasn't completely defined yet. It was kind of a lengthy process, but we've gotten to a good point, and really, for B.A., it's all about just keep[ing] that thing going right now because he's on the upward trajectory. He's just got to stay with it right now."
Aiyuk reportedly had a good couple of weeks' worth of practices heading into the game in Chicago. On Monday, Shanahan praised his young receiver, saying Sunday's outing may have been Aiyuk's "best game as a blocker, as a runner, as a punt returner, and as a receiver."
While Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have mentioned a previous hamstring injury as one possible cause for the slow start, the complete reasoning behind Aiyuk's early lack of production has never been fully explained. However, there have been some hints that a lack of preparation on Aiyuk's part may have contributed, and the 49ers quarterback suggested that may have been the case.
"When you're young like that, you see some success, it's easy to let off the gas," Garoppolo said. "With B.A., he's really in a good spot right now. His foot's on the gas pedal. He's been working, putting in the extra time. It's paying off for him. I'm happy for him."
Whatever the reasons, 49ers fans are probably excited to see that Aiyuk may be turning a corner. That bodes well for a San Francisco team looking to turn a corner itself and get back into the playoff conversation.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Garoppolo below.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Alex Highsmith to the 49ers? Steelers reporter suggests trade proposal
Could the San Francisco 49ers benefit from a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher Alex Highsmith? One Steelers reporter believes the idea is worth considering. Andrew Vasquez of Steelers Wire recently outlined three bold—but potentially realistic—trades Pittsburgh... -
Former 49ers star says 'rest in peace' to Brandon Aiyuk's NFL career
Brandon Aiyuk has targeted just about everyone on social media this offseason—the San Francisco 49ers, his former agent, the NFL Players Association, and even his friend, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. Now, one former 49ers standout believes Aiyuk may have... -
49ers great Steve Young on Brandon Aiyuk: 'I worry for him'
Concern continues to grow around San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, whose tumultuous offseason has become one of the NFL's biggest storylines. In recent weeks, Aiyuk has used social media to lash out at the 49ers, his former agent, the NFL Players Association, and... -
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk's latest social media warning should alarm every interested NFL team
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has spent much of the offseason damaging his reputation on social media, launching public attacks against his current team, his former agent, and the NFL Players Association. Now, Aiyuk has a message for any NFL team that...