Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the situation on Thursday, revealing that Aiyuk's distance from the team isn't a recent development.
"I didn't get to hang out around Aiyuk much since he tore his ACL in Week 7 (of the 2024 season)—I think versus Kansas City," Shanahan said. "So, we've been trying to get him back to our team, really, since then, and haven't been able to pull that off. So, haven't totally had the opportunity to get him part of our team."
Shanahan painted a clearer picture of Aiyuk's lack of involvement: "He's been extremely distant since he got hurt, and was hoping it would happen once he got healthy, but it never happened."
Despite the situation, Shanahan emphasized that his focus remains on the players currently on the roster as the 49ers aim to build momentum heading into the playoffs. That starts with using this week to prepare for Monday night's game against the Indianapolis Colts.
"I don't look at anything right now but our football team, playing the Colts, what we have going now, not stuff that I haven't thought about since July," Shanahan said.
During training camp, there was a brief period when Aiyuk was around the team. There were even reports that Aiyuk was very engaged while he continued his rehab.
"When we are in meetings, he's engaged," offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said in July. "When we're at walkthroughs, he's with those guys. He's helping Hank (wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson) kind of coach on the side."
Now, it sounds like Aiyuk's involvement may have been exaggerated. When asked if there was more happening behind the scenes than reporters were aware of, Shanahan simply responded, "I think, obviously."
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