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Despite the fact he recently requested a trade following a tumultuous offseason of contract chatter and consternation, star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was present at the start of San Francisco 49ers camp on Wednesday.
According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, Aiyuk was not in uniform and was only an observer.
“I don’t really know what it means,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday. “It just means his back is sore today and his neck is sore. So going to stay out of practice, which obviously is a hold in. And so we expected it, and I understand the situation fully.”
None of it is surprising considering how heated the situation has become, but it’s also a reminder nobody should hit the panic button. Again, holdouts are rare and fleeting in the current NFL, and only a few weeks ago Aiyuk did say he “for sure” wants to play in San Francisco this season. This thing has been hot and cold, and what’s happening now likely has a lot more bearing on 2025 than 2024.
However, it’s compounded by the fact venerable veteran left tackle Trent Williams didn’t show up to start camp for contract-related reasons, per head coach Kyle Shanahan. The head coach didn’t seem too concerned about Williams, who has two years remaining on his current deal and likely just wants more guaranteed money.
That being said, this is a huge year for third-year quarterback Brock Purdy and the rest of the 49ers offense as they prepare for a big season with stiff competition inside and outside of the NFC West. And it is far from ideal that Purdy is going to work without two of his key supporting cast members at the outset of camp.