It seems as if the San Francisco 49ers have grown as tired of the standoff with Brandon Aiyuk as the rest of the football world.
San Francisco was understanding and allowed for Aiyuk’s hold-in during training camp and the preseason, but now feels it is time for him to practice, regardless of whether an extension is in the works or completed, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported. The shift in stance set up for another pivotal moment in this prolonged dispute at the start of Wednesday’s practice, at which Aiyuk did not appear.
The wide receiver, who’s long been seeking a contract extension, did not show up for the practice period open to the media and Garafolo added Aiyuk was not expected to show up later Wednesday.
Now, the football world waits to see how the 49ers respond.
Both head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch spoke before practice Wednesday, and each intimated now was the time for Aiyuk to decide whether he wanted to be a part of the team as they prepare for their season-opener against the New York Jets.
“At some point, you’ve got to play,” Lynch said bluntly.
He isn’t wrong. And yet, with the stakes seemingly raised, Aiyuk declined to show Wednesday.
“I haven’t heard anything,” Shanahan said prior to practice. “I’ve been working on the 53-[man roster], the practice squad — I haven’t talked to him. I know he’s been cleared by our doctors so I hope that he’s out there practicing today.”
The medical clearance is an important specification, because it allows the 49ers to levy penalties (i.e., fines) against Aiyuk for refusing to participate. And that’s where such a situation could take an ugly turn before reaching a resolution.
Aiyuk’s contract dispute has dominated the news cycle for much of the summer, and the 49ers have come close to dealing him to a number of teams, but never quite pulled off a trade during that time. Eventually, it became more likely they’d come to an agreement with Aiyuk on a contract extension, but with that yet to be accomplished, both parties advanced to yet another stepping stone on this seemingly unending journey Wednesday. At minimum, they’re eyeing the next step.
With their change in demeanor this week, the 49ers were attempting to bring it to a conclusion. Instead, they received more of the same from Aiyuk.
“I’ll deal with that when that happens,” Lynch said of Aiyuk possibly not participating in practice. “If that happens.”
