Brandon Aiyuk isn't feeling added pressure to perform, even with San Francisco 49ers stars Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel sidelined. Neither will suit up for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams, prompting some to suggest that Aiyuk must step up from his six catches for 71 yards so far this season.
"I'm just looking to take another step," Aiyuk told reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice. "We've got another day in practice today, so looking to get better again today, tomorrow, and Friday, and then just let it go on Sunday, see what happens."
Aiyuk missed much of the offseason on-field preparation due to a prolonged contract standoff with the 49ers and only rejoined his teammates on the practice field shortly before Week 1. When asked how that absence impacted his early-season performance, he emphasized the importance of getting back into the rhythm.
"Just the feeling of the football field, just the feeling of trying to motivate 10 other guys on the field," Aiyuk said.
The 49ers are coming off a 23-17 Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and aim to bounce back against the Rams at SoFi Stadium, a venue that often feels like a home game when the two teams clash due to the strong 49ers fan presence.
"It's gonna be great," Aiyuk added. "We love going to play down there, seeing all the red down there, a little home dome stadium."
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