Kyle Shanahan on Aiyuk’s future, health updates on Evans, Deebo & more

Kyle Shanahan says he has “no expectation” for Brandon Aiyuk as the 49ers return from their bye week, even as the receiver’s agent has reportedly said Aiyuk plans to report to the team Friday.

“I have no expectation,” Shanahan said Wednesday. “Kind of moved on with that mentally and everything. Doing kind of how I talked to you guys two months ago. Nothing’s really changed for me.”

Aiyuk, who is seeking reinstatement after being placed on the reserve/left squad list, has not played since suffering a major knee injury in 2024. Shanahan said he believes the team has spoken with Aiyuk’s agent, but added that he would not expect a resolution before Aiyuk appears at the facility.

Asked whether there was a chance Aiyuk could play for San Francisco again, Shanahan left the possibility open only in general terms: “There’s no absolutes in life.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The report on Aiyuk’s plans has renewed attention on his status, though Shanahan said he has not discussed seeking a roster exemption.

The 49ers, 6-1 and atop the NFC West, begin preparations for Sunday’s home game against the Las Vegas Raiders with several key players managing injuries. RB Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) and WR Deebo Samuel (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday.

Shanahan said McCaffrey’s injury “wasn’t as bad as Deebo’s” and that he hopes the running back can be limited Thursday. Samuel is making progress, but Shanahan said he would be surprised if the receiver plays this week.

Nick Bosa, who has been dealing with a calf injury, is set for limited work. Shanahan said Bosa has made progress.

WR Mike Evans will miss practice with an Achilles injury, though the coach said the receiver is “going in the right direction” and the team wants him healthy before increasing his workload.

Demarcus Robinson (ankle) and Nate Hobbs (adductor) are among the players expected to return to practice in some capacity. C.J. West will be held out another week.

The injury issues leave San Francisco evaluating possible help at the trade deadline. The team explored a potential reunion with receiver Jauan Jennings, who is now with Minnesota, but Shanahan said the two spoke by FaceTime and Jennings was happy where he was.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 25: Jauan Jennings #14 of the Minnesota Vikings catches a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

“It was a good conversation,” Shanahan said. The 49ers continue to look at receivers and other positions, he added, while noting that it is especially difficult for a midseason receiver acquisition to learn an offense quickly.

San Francisco has already made a notable addition, bringing back defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Shanahan said players were excited by the move, but that the lasting impact depends on what a newcomer contributes on the field and in meetings. “It’d be great to add someone else if that works out,” he said, “but we’re not counting on it.”

Asked why his teams have often been successful in November and December after a bye, Shanahan joked, “I’m a Sagittarius,” before crediting the rest and recovery time.

A bye, he said, can give a team “a little bit of a boost” and leave players healthier for the stretch ahead.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Nick Wagoner on Brandon Aiyuk’s Future: Trade or Release?
• Nick Bosa’s potential return could reshape 49ers’ defense

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Sunday, November 8th – vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, November 15th – @ Dallas Cowboys – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, November 22nd – vs. Minnesota Vikings – 5:20 pm PT
• Sunday, November 29th – vs. Seattle Seahawks – 1:25 pm PT

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