San Francisco 49ers

Updating a previous report, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (back, neck) was not seen during warmups before the team's practice on Wednesday. The 49ers expected Aiyuk to return to practice on Wednesday. "I know he's been cleared by our doctors. So I hope he's out there practicing today," Shanahan said. It's yet another strange turn in the Aiyuk saga as he continues to hold-in as he seeks a long-term contract extension with just over a week until Week 1 against the New York Jets on Monday night. The 26-year-old has apparently been dealing with a back/neck issue during training camp despite not practicing or playing at all during the preseason. The possibility of the Niners trading the former first-rounder seems remote at this point, but each passing day that Aiyuk isn't on the field should give fantasy managers pause as to whether they should draft him as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2.

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch anticipates that hold-in wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (back, neck) will participate in practice on Wednesday. When asked about the consequences if Aiyuk doesn't show up, Lynch responded, "Then we'll deal with that." Head coach Kyle Shanahan also expressed hope that Aiyuk will practice, noting that doctors have cleared him after earlier reports of back and neck issues. Shanahan indicated that he would address potential penalties if necessary. The situation remains to be determined regarding whether Aiyuk is nearing a market-value extension or is willing to play out his rookie contract, which includes a $14.1 million salary. This ongoing uncertainty also opens up trade possibilities for the 49ers' leading receiver since 2022. The offseason's biggest fantasy storyline continues with no resolution in sight.

Free agent wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. is signing with the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. The former 2021 second-round selection was waived by the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday afternoon. Over his first three NFL seasons, the LSU product totaled just 767 yards and one score on 64 receptions. Marshall saw a career-high 490 yards in 2022 but took a significant step down last season as he tallied only 139 yards. The 24-year-old could push to earn the No.4 or 5 spot on the 49er depth chart or may be placed on the practice squad for the time being. Marshall could be a name to monitor in deeper dynasty leagues, as he has yet to earn an extended opportunity in the NFL despite being a high draft pick.

The San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remain in a contract standoff with the 2024 regular season quickly approaching. The ongoing offseason saga between the Niners and Aiyuk somehow has not been resolved one way or another with a long-term contract extension or a trade, so we continue to wait. Aiyuk is on the 53-man roster, unlike left tackle Trent Williams, because he reported to training camp this summer. San Francisco will begin their normal practice schedule this week, but it's uncertain whether Aiyuk will actually return to the practice field for the first time this offseason. Either way, the two sides aren't any closer to an extension, and at this point, it seems pretty unlikely he'd be traded with the start of Week 1 just over a week away. Aiyuk's fantasy value remains the highest if he sticks in San Fran, but at this point fantasy managers have to worry about him starting off slow since he hasn't been working with the starting offense at all.

The San Francisco 49ers placed running back Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, and his 2024 season is over. Mitchell, who was projected as the team's RB2, has dealt with injury problems throughout his career, having never played more than 11 games in a year. Jordan Mason is now expected to be the 49ers' RB2 behind Christian McCaffrey (calf) with Mitchell sidelined. Rookie Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor Jr. will also see an uptick in playing time behind McCaffrey and Mason with Mitchell now done for the year.