San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch expressed concern for Brandon Aiyuk on Saturday while otherwise declining to answer questions about the All-Pro wide receiver who has regularly ripped the team on social media over the past the seven weeks
“I can tell you that at the forefront of our thoughts with any player is their well-being,” Lynch said. “And I’ll just leave it at that.”
Lynch was responding to a question about Aiyuk’s claim last month that Lynch once showed up at Aiyuk’s house unannounced to apologize for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s behavior. Aiyuk referred to the 49ers as “creepy predators” in the same Instagram video
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Lynch attempted to shut down questions about Aiyuk near the start of his news conference, noting that Aiyuk remains on the reserve/left squad list and isn’t on the 90-man roster
“We, as an organization, are going to focus on the on the players that are here,” Lynch said. “And so I don’t have anything to say (about Aiyuk). Anything to add to that. We wish him well. We wish his family well.”
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Aiyuk has regularly expressed his desire to sign with the Commanders and join quarterback Jayden Daniels, his teammate at Arizona State. On Thursday, Aiyuk said he has purchased a $10 million estate in Loudoun (Va.) County. The Commanders’ facility is in Ashburn, Va., which is in the same county
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Lynch was asked whether the 49ers were mindful of not releasing Aiyuk before the 49ers host the Commanders on Oct. 19
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“I’m going to focus on guys that are (here) and stand by what we’ve said earlier,” Lynch said
Aiyuk has three years left on his contract and doesn’t count against the salary cap while he is on the reserve/left team list. He has not filed for reinstatement, which would be an initial step toward forcing the 49ers to release him
Injury news: Pass rusher Nick Bosa won’t start training camp on an injury list, which is an encouraging sign for his recovery after he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee on Sept. 21
Lynch said Bosa was “doing tremendous” and would begin training camp participating in individual drills before assuming a larger workload.“We’ll add as we see fit — as he sees fit,” Lynch said
Tight end George Kittle (Achilles), defensive end Mykel Williams (ACL), defensive tackle Alfred Collins (shoulder) and running back Isaac Guerendo will start camp on the physically unable to perform list
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Lynch indicated Kittle has a chance to play in the regular-season opener against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 10
“He’s doing everything possible to be ready for Week 1,” Lynch said, “and we’re thrilled with his progress.”
