placeholder image

Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports


49ers unfazed by Brandon Aiyuk’s absence; Brock Purdy opens up about draft day jitters

May 21, 2024 at 4:02 PM

Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.

The San Francisco 49ers kicked off organized team activities (OTAs) this week, and star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was the most noticeable absentee. However, his absence wasn't unexpected. Aiyuk and the 49ers reportedly remain far apart in their contract extension negotiations, and this portion of the offseason remains voluntary.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked how he feels about Aiyuk not being around for OTAs.

"The same as I do about all these guys that aren't here," Shanahan responded. "I mean, I wish they were here, but it's something that's part of the business. Anytime it's part the business part, you try to respect it, stay out of it as much as possible, and look forward to the days when we can just focus on football."

RELATED Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings absent from OTAs

One player who would benefit significantly from Aiyuk's presence is quarterback Brock Purdy. This is his first full offseason with the team. The 24-year-old didn't get many practice reps as a rookie in 2022 as he tried to make the 53-man roster as a backup. Last year, Purdy spent the offseason recovering from surgery and didn't get to throw to his teammates until training camp.

Purdy was asked how important it is to resolve the Aiyuk situation so the receiver can get back on the practice field.

"I think it's extremely important," Purdy declared. "He's a playmaker, love throwing to him, love B.A. as a person. So, yeah, it's definitely important. I've said this before: it's out of my control. But for me, I'm showing up every day trying to get better with the new guys, and the guys that are here, and that is what it is. But hopefully, it gets settled soon."

RELATED Bosa participates at OTAs; McCaffrey absent; Purdy adjusting to celebrity status

Purdy admitted that he was nervous during the draft when trade rumors were swirling as the media speculated about the futures of Aiyuk and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The quarterback hopes to keep both of his offensive weapons on the roster.

"The draft is going on, and obviously, you're excited to get guys that you're drafting," Purdy shared. "But at the same time, it's like, 'Dang, dude, we could have some kind of trade stuff happen.' But like I said, all that's out of my control. I was sort of just sitting there, waiting to see what our team was going to do and everything.

"And my job is to show up and rip it to the open guy and try to win games, so that's my mindset with it. But I do love my boys, and I obviously hope that we can all continue to play together."

Related News

Enjoy this article? Follow us to never miss more!

Powered by Follow.it


Comments

More San Francisco 49ers News

placeholder image

How much did George Kittle's absence impact the 49ers?

By David Bonilla
Nov 17

Nick Bosa's absence loomed large during the Seattle Seahawks' game-winning drive as the San Francisco 49ers dropped another close contest, falling to 5-5 on the season. Once viewed as Super Bowl contenders, the 49ers are now fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. While not...


placeholder image

An Absence of Urgency: Has the 49ers' Sense of Calm Become a Liability in 2024?

By Don Atkinson
Nov 12

Not many seasons for the San Francisco 49ers have come and gone over recent years without the existence of significant obstacles. The infamous 2020 post-Super Bowl season saw the team completely decimated by injuries which dropped the 49ers from 2019 NFC Champs to 6-10 chumps....


placeholder image

49ers add protection for Brock Purdy in latest ESPN mock draft

By David Bonilla
14 hrs

ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller has unveiled his latest mock draft, projecting each team's potential first-round pick for next year. In this mock, Miller has the San Francisco 49ers selecting at No. 16 overall. However, this placement doesn't necessarily reflect how he expects...


placeholder image

Pelissero provides update on Brock Purdy's injury and 49ers-Packers status

By David Bonilla
10 hrs

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was limited during Wednesday's practice and refrained from throwing altogether in at least the position of practice that was open to the media. Purdy is dealing with a shoulder injury sustained during Sunday's loss to the Seattle...


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone