There was a lot of speculation surrounding Aiyuk's reduced role in 2021. Was he in Kyle Shanahan's doghouse? The coach denied that, saying that injuries initially contributed to Aiyuk's lack of involvement. The receiver has been limited to just one catch in three of his five starts.
"I just want Aiyuk to keep getting better," head coach Kyle Shanahan said before today's practice. "I don't think he's quite back to where he was last year, and I expected him to be better this year than last year. I think he's still trying to get back to that point, which I think he's closer to that point right now than he was a couple of weeks ago because he has been working hard and trying to get there. If he keeps doing that, I believe things will get better for him and us."
There were reports this offseason that Aiyuk gained some weight, getting stronger. The coach was asked if that weight gain has instead been problematic for the second-year receiver. Does it impact his deep speed or any other aspect of his game?
"Possibly," Shanahan responded. "I don't think he quite looks to where he was at last year, so that could be a reason. That's something that's different. I'm sure it's a few things, though, but he needs to get there."
While Aiyuk played less than half the offensive snaps in Week 1, that number has increased as the season has progressed. He has played 71 percent of the offensive snaps in each of the past two games but has just three catches on five targets to show for it.
Aiyuk's next opportunity will come on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: Why isn't Jordan Mason being used more? Has Kyle Shanahan lost the locker room? How can SF fix its issues before Green Bay?
The San Francisco 49ers are hanging by a thread. At 5-5, the team will travel to Green Bay to face the 7-3 Packers. And the 49ers may be playing this game without one of their best players, edge rusher Nick Bosa, who is dealing with a couple of injuries. And then there is the... -
No Huddle Podcast: Kyle Shanahan's Seat Isn't Even Warm
(Episode 389) — Brian Renick is in solo to discuss the online discourse surrounding Kyle Shanahan's job security, how the 49ers can right the ship, why it's too early to give up on this team, the offensive regression from Brock Purdy, and what to expect from Sunday's... -
Kyle Shanahan, Brandon Allen discuss 49ers-Packers Week 12 matchup
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brandon Allen spoke with reporters after Friday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 12 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Here's everything they said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan says Deommodore Lenoir "has the confidence to guard anybody" and the CB has videos to prove it
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir is a rising star. And this week, the 49ers treated him as such, rewarding Lenoir with a five-year, $92 million extension. The 2021 fifth-round selection will now be paid as one of the league's top cornerbacks, deservedly so. He's...