SANTA CLARA -- Down three receivers, Kyle Shanahan expects 49ers rookie Brandon Aiyuk to play a significant role in his offense.
With Deebo Samuel rehabbing from a Jones fracture, Jalen Hurd on injured reserve with an ACL tear and Travis Benjamin opting out of the 2020 season, the young wideout quickly has been worked in with the first unit during 11-on-11s. Shanahan is confident in Aiyuk’s progress.
“He has the ability, worked hard from a mental standpoint so he’s earned some reps there,” Shanahan said. “These practices are huge for a rookie like that. We’re expecting him to play a lot this year just like we were expecting Deebo and Jalen last year.