This decision is not a surprise. If the 49ers were going to open a practice window, it likely would have happened before Wednesday's session. And it seems unlikely the team would do so on a short week after a Monday night game.
The 49ers will enter their bye week following Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, making it improbable that a practice window will open during that stretch. The earliest opportunity for Aiyuk to return is after the bye week, as San Francisco prepares to host the Tennessee Titans in Week 15.
Of course, there's ongoing drama surrounding Aiyuk's situation, which may come into play. The Athletic recently reported that the 49ers voided the 2026 guarantees in his contract, a move that could set the stage for a split between the player and the team. While some speculate this could mark an end to Aiyuk's time in red and gold, Shanahan remains hopeful the wideout will return before the season ends.
Shanahan's comments also mean that practice windows for wide receiver Jacob Cowing and defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos will not open until after the bye week.
Regarding Gross-Matos, Shanahan said, "He's coming along. It's been a tough year for him, missing all of training camp with his knee. And when you do that, and you come back, it makes you so susceptible to other things, and that's kind of what's been a story a little bit this year. But he's got a chance to come back, and he's working real hard at it, and I think we'll have a chance here after the bye."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
John Lynch calls Brandon Aiyuk situation 'fluid' as 49ers weigh next steps
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch wasn't ready to discuss the Brandon Aiyuk situation last week, ahead of the team's scheduled meeting with the wide receiver. Aiyuk was granted reinstatement by the NFL on Monday after reporting to the 49ers for a physical. He is... -
49ers practice and media schedule ahead of Week 10 matchup vs. Cowboys
The San Francisco 49ers will hold three full practices this week as they prepare for their Week 10 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, and quarterback Brock Purdy are scheduled to... -
49ers vs. Raiders injury report: Christian McCaffrey returns to practice, others remain sidelined
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 9 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Running back Christian McCaffrey returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's on-field session. He suffered a mild... -
49ers injury updates: Deebo Samuel returns to practice, several others out
The San Francisco 49ers will return to the practice field Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. PT to begin preparing for their Week 10 road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Ahead of practice, head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters. He shared that wide receiver Deebo Samuel is...