The San Francisco 49ers have already dealt with their fair share of issues this season.
The defending NFC champions are missing several key players with injuries, adding to the uncertainty surrounding All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. The injury-plagued Niners have lost their second straight game, but will be hoping to get back on a winning streak when they return to Levi's Stadium for a friendly this Sunday.
The mood intensified this week as the 49ers prepared to take on the New England Patriots. At one point during a recent practice, coach Kyle Shanahan told star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk that his shorts weren't the right color.
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San Francisco 49ers No. 11 Brandon Aiyuk and head coach Kyle Shanahan are on the field before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
A video of the exchange between Shanahan and Aiyuk was posted on social media. The wideout initially wore red shorts. Other 49ers players also appeared to be wearing black shorts during Friday's practice.
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Shortly after what appeared to be a lively conversation, Aiyuk took off his red gloves, shoes, and red shorts. He then made a kicking motion while his clothes were on the grass. Then he picked up a pair of black pants and put them on.
Shanahan was later asked about Aiyuk's attire. When asked if the receiver showed up to the practice field wearing the wrong shorts, Shanahan replied, “Yeah, he did. Good question.”
Shanahan dismissed the idea that Aiyuk would receive further punishment for his actions. “No,” the eight-year Niners coach said, grinning visibly. “I wish I could wear different pants.”
September 9, 2024. Santa Clara, California, USA. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, 11, is introduced to the crowd before a game against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. (Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)
Aiyuk signed a four-year contract extension worth up to $120 million last month, marking the end of a roller coaster offseason.
During the offseason, multiple reports surfaced that a tentative agreement had been reached to send Aiyuk to the Steelers in a trade. The extension with San Francisco was decided about a week before the start of the 2024 regular season.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan walks on the field before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abby Parr)
Aiyuk enters Week 4 with 119 receiving yards. He hasn't scored a touchdown yet. The All-Pro finished the 2023 season with a career-best 1,342 receiving yards.
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Jauan Jennings has been the 49ers' top receiver through the first three games. The fourth-year receiver gained 276 yards in three games.
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