SANTA CLARA – Late November soccer is right here, and so is Brock Purdy. So is Ricky Pearsall. So is nearly all of the 49ers’ offense, with one main exception.
Vast receiver Brandon Aiyuk continues to be not in a 49ers uniform, and he would possibly by no means be once more
The 49ers, as first reported Friday by The Athletic, have voided the $25 million bonus assured for 2026 in Aiyuk’s contract, which was contentiously hashed out previous to final season (4 years, $120 million).
That transfer indicators Aiyuk’s potential ouster subsequent spring, and whereas that mutual adjustment occurred months in the past, Aiyuk continues to report for morning conditioning periods on the staff facility, based on a staff supply.
Aiyuk, a 1,000-yard-plus receiver in 2022 and ’23, has been recovering from final season’s knee harm and doing so out of public sight the previous two months. His 2026 possibility bonus of $24.9 million was assured as soon as he remained on the roster this previous April.
Normal supervisor John Lynch mentioned final week the 49ers’ intention is for Aiyuk to return this season, and the mercurial large receiver certainly seemed on monitor to take action as he shadowed practices by way of camp and September.
Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan usually have cited Aiyuk’s delayed return on how in depth his proper knee was injured with a number of torn ligaments. That occurred on Oct. 20, practically two months after he bought traded to Pittsburgh. He bought paid $24.1 million in 2024 and one other $24 million this yr on a contract that, if he’s launched subsequent yr, will lead to a $29.5 million hit of useless cash in opposition to the wage cap, per spotrac.com.
PURDY’S HEALTHIER ENCORE
Purdy mentioned there was a “big difference” in how his proper massive toe felt after final Sunday’s return in comparison with the aftermath of his Weeks 1 and 4 video games.
“I’m extremely excited, and my body feels great,” Purdy mentioned Friday, after his second straight full participation in observe. “To go back-to-back games and to try to win back-to-back will be huge. More than anything, it’s a crucial time of the year getting toward the end of the season.”
When the 49ers (7-4) host the Panthers (6-5) in a Monday evening matchup with potential NFC playoff ramifications, Purdy could have virtually a whole supporting solid on offense, minus Aiyuk however with Pearsall, who missed six video games earlier than final Sunday’s return in a 41-22 rout at Arizona.
“Throughout the year, there’s been someone out and not a lot of consistency,” Purdy mentioned. “It feels good we’ve all able to practice together, play a game together and watch film together. That’s huge for details in this offense. We need consistency going into the end of the year and trying to get into the playoffs.”
All is nicely, or nicely sufficient, together with his proper massive toe, which he initially injured within the season opener then aggravated Sept. 28 after two video games off.
“I’m not 100 percent by any means but I’m pretty close and I can do everything it takes to play quarterback at a high level and be myself, for sure,” Purdy mentioned. “I can scramble., I can make plays on the run, step up in the pocket, rip the ball aggressively and play my style of ball.”
Lynch, in a Friday morning interview on KNBR 680-AM, mentioned Purdy should undergo an on-field acclimation course of like all athlete coming back from a multiple-game absence. “There was some of that,” Lynch mentioned, “but for the most part, great game to get his legs underneath him, get his confidence back, and get his rhythm, really.”
DEFENSIVE, UM, PRAISE?
One week, the 49ers protection is permitting six touchdowns at dwelling to the Rams, and the following sport an NFL document of 47 completions are produced by journeyman Jacoby Brissett in Arizona.
“For 2 ½ quarters, shoot it was 35-10 with 12 minutes to go, and the last three drives accounted for over 200 yards and two touchdowns,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh mentioned. “Called the game necessary to win the game. We were down linebackers, down people. Let’s keep people in front and get the clock down as fast as possible.”
Carolina coach Dave Canales heaped reward on that 49ers protection. “This looks like a Robert Saleh defense. It’s hinged upon great fundamentals, counting on each other, and rallying to the ball, and that shows up in every area,” Canales mentioned. “They have a good scheme. Great things they’re doing. They have a way to create pressure.”
Um, the 49ers rank final within the NFL with 12 sacks, with a team-high 4 from Bryce Huff, then the next-most being two sacks from each Sam Okuayinonu and Nick Bosa, the latter of whom exited in Week 3 with a knee harm.
“We can’t forget Bryce Huff is over there. He’s electric and has great pass rush tools,” Canales added. “But this is a group that’s playing well together. They haven’t produced the numbers maybe, but the whole thing is tied together.”
PRACTICE REPORT
No new accidents had been reported after observe, not like latest midweek periods this season. Nonetheless out had been linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle), kicker Eddy Piñeiro (hamstring) and defensive finish Robert Beal, who’s within the NFL’s concussion protocol and was seen operating on the aspect. Operating again Christian McCaffrey and left sort out Trent Williams practiced after their routine relaxation day.
