49ers' practice squad elevations point to Brandon Aiyuk being out for Week 3
The status of 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been up in the air for their short week of preparation for the Thursday Night Football clash with the Giants. But San Francisco's practice squad elevations for its home opener indicate Aiyuk, who leads the 49ers in receiving yards through two games, will not be involved […]
The status of 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been up in the air for their short week of preparation for the Thursday Night Football clash with the Giants.
But San Francisco's practice squad elevations for its home opener indicate Aiyuk, who leads the 49ers in receiving yards through two games, will not be involved because of the shoulder injury he suffered on the first series of the Week 2 win over the Rams.
Veteran wide receiver Chris Conley was elevated to the gameday roster, as was cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles.
Jean-Charles' elevation is a signal that corner Ambry Thomas, who suffered a knee injury against the Rams, will also miss out.
The 49ers on Thursday also signed Tre Swilling from the practice squad to the active roster, releasing veteran corner Anthony Brown.
Aiyuk made an electric start to the season in the 49ers' Week 1 rout of Pittsburgh, catching all eight of his targets for 129 yards and two touchdowns. He fought through his injury in Los Angeles, but was limited to three catches for 43 yards.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Aiyuk will likely miss out, meaning Jauan Jennings and Ronnie Bell may see greater roles. However, the passing game will almost certainly revolve around Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey.
Tight end Kittle has been relatively quiet as pass-catching threat through the first two weeks, making six catches for 49 yards, though four of his receptions have gone for first downs.
Thomas had been operating as an outside corner on nickel downs with starter Deommodore Lenoir kicking inside. However, Isaiah Oliver's strong showing at nickel as Thomas was in an out of the game against the Rams should give the 49ers confidence to keep Lenoir outside with Charvarius Ward and start Oliver in the slot.
Swilling is more of an outside corner, with Jean-Charles more likely to step in at nickel if needed, the former fifth-round pick of the Packers possessing the versatility to play both spots.
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