Did Brandon Aiyuk Lose His Starting Job to Trent Sherfield?
By Peter Dewey
San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk had an impressive season as a rookie in 2020, but he may have lost his job already this season.
Aiyuk didn’t make a single catch in the 49ers’ season-opening win over the Detroit Lions, and he seems to have fallen out of favor with head coach Kyle Shanahan.
After a hot start to training camp, Brandon Aiyuk tailed off dramatically. He is still learning how to be a pro. Kyle Shanahan, clearly, favors some of the other WRs right now. Message sent. https://t.co/EobXOVruN5
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 12, 2021
“We started Trent,” Shanahan said. “They’ve been rotating a lot throughout the preseason, but Aiyuk has only been back for a week after he tweaked his hamstring and we want to be smart with that.
"Also, Trent Sherfield has earned the right to be out there more.”
Shanahan wouldn’t go as far to say that Aiyuk lost his job, but his Week 1 usage tells the story.
“Aiyuk hadn’t gone the last 10 days with his hamstring and Sherfield was pushing as it was,” Shanahan said. “I was planning on them getting a lot in, rotating the both of them and all five guys that were up today. I don’t know how many plays he had but I’m sure it was less than expected.”
Yikes. If you bet on any Aiyuk props in Week 1 or have him on your fantasy team, I feel for you.
Aiyuk had 748 receiving yards and five scores in 2020 in just 12 games, but he appears to be a long shot to reach those numbers this season.
The 49ers are 3.5-point favorites on WynnBET in their Week 2 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Aiyuk will look to get in Shanahan’s good graces this week in practice to potentially make an impact against Philly.
Do the 49ers need Brandon Aiyuk to beat the Eagles? Get in the action on the WynnBET app.