Brandon Aiyuk surprised a few folks Friday night when he showed up with the 49ers at the team's preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He continued his hold in and was present on the sideline before the game, where he chatted with Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce.
Kyle Shanahan was asked about the situation and whether it says anything progressing with negotiations. He was short.
"No," Shanahan said. He also denied that he considers it a distraction.
He explained why Aiyuk made the trip.
"Anyone who's on our team, we want to make the trip, especially if we think they're healthy," Shanahan said. "That's why we had him do it."
That line could be interpreted a number of ways. Aiyuk's premise in holding out is that he has a "sore back," something Shanahan all but admitted was a hold-in excuse. It's very clearly something that will be resolved when Aiyuk is extended.
Shanahan stating Aiyuk is healthy could be him being too blunt, despite the injury excuse. It could also be interpreted as a veiled threat, that the 49ers know he's healthy and could actually force him back into practice and to play on his fifth-year option. Maybe that's reading too much into a statement, but as the clock keeps ticking closer, the 49ers might just have to set a deadline with the star receiver.
They have been resistant to do that, but as talks linger on, it's not out of the question for them to use that remaining leverage. Nothing is out of the question with this saga.
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