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.
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.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
John Lynch: Safe to say Brandon Aiyuk has played last snap with 49ers
Speculation has surrounded the future of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for months, and on Wednesday, general manager John Lynch all but confirmed what many in the media expected. Aiyuk, who did not return this season after suffering ACL and MCL injuries in... -
Ex-49ers LB highlights practice intensity shift after leaving San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers endured another injury-plagued campaign in 2025. Despite the setbacks, the team still won 12 games and reached the postseason, leaving many to wonder how much further it could have advanced had several key contributors remained healthy. As injuries have... -
49ers have a pass rush problem, and the solution isn't what you think
Much has been made—and was made weekly during the season—of the 49ers' lack of a pass rush. The team was last in the league in sacks and last in pressure rate. Since the defense had almost double the sacks in 2024 (20 vs. 37) with a healthy Nick Bosa, it stands to reason... -
49ers denied request to interview Falcons secondary coach
The San Francisco 49ers were denied permission to interview Atlanta Falcons secondary coach Justin Hood, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero. The Falcons blocked San Francisco's request to speak with Hood, keeping him in place on their defensive staff. Pelissero did...