SANTA CLARA – Late-November football is here, and so is Brock Purdy. So is Ricky Pearsall. So is almost all the 49ers’ offense, with one major exception.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is still not in a 49ers uniform, and he might never be again
The 49ers, as first reported Friday by The Athletic, have voided the $25 million bonus guaranteed for 2026 in Aiyuk’s contract, which was contentiously hashed out prior to last season (four years, $120 million).
That move signals Aiyuk’s potential ouster next spring, and while that mutual adjustment happened months ago, Aiyuk continues to report for morning conditioning sessions at the team facility, according to a team source.
Aiyuk, a 1,000-yard-plus receiver in 2022 and ’23, has been recovering from last season’s knee injury and doing so out of public sight the past two months. His 2026 option bonus of $24.9 million was guaranteed once he remained on the roster this past April.
General manager John Lynch said last week the 49ers’ intention is for Aiyuk to return this season, and the mercurial wide receiver indeed looked on track to do so as he shadowed practices through camp and September.
Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan often have cited Aiyuk’s delayed return on how extensive his right knee was injured with multiple torn ligaments. That occurred on Oct. 20, nearly two months after he got traded to Pittsburgh.
PURDY’S HEALTHIER ENCORE
Purdy said there was a “big difference” in how his right big toe felt after last Sunday’s return compared to the aftermath of his Weeks 1 and 4 games.
“I’m extremely excited, and my body feels great,” Purdy said Friday, after his second straight full participation in practice. “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 night matchup with potential NFC playoff ramifications, Purdy will have almost a complete supporting cast on offense, minus Aiyuk but with Pearsall, who missed six games before last 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 said. “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 well, or well enough, with his right big toe, which he initially injured in the season opener then aggravated Sept. 28 after two 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 said. “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, said Purdy must go through an on-field acclimation process like any athlete returning from a multiple-game absence. “There was some of that,” Lynch said, “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 defense is allowing six touchdowns at home to the Rams, and the next game an NFL record 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 said. “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 praise on that 49ers defense. “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 said. “They have a good scheme. Great things they’re doing. They have a way to create pressure.”
Um, the 49ers rank last in the NFL with 12 sacks, with a team-high four from Bryce Huff, then the next-most being two sacks from both Sam Okuayinonu and Nick Bosa, the latter of whom exited in Week 3 with a knee injury.
“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 injuries were reported after practice, unlike recent midweek sessions this season. Still out were linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle), kicker Eddy Piñeiro (hamstring) and defensive end Robert Beal, who is in the NFL’s concussion protocol and was seen running on the side. Running back Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams practiced after their routine rest day.
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