Aiyuk seeks good game, not breaking Jerry Rice’s record
Brandon Aiyuk is closing in on Jerry Rice’s 49ers rookie record for receiving yards, and if you saw Aiyuk’s graceful ways from Day 1S of training camp, such a stellar season shouldn’t be shocking.
That first impression, Aiyuk said, could have been deceiving, however.
“It may have looked like that from the sideline but that definitely wasn’t the case,” Aiyuk said Wednesday. “There was a lot going on internally that we knew about that had to be fixed.
“Up until a few weeks ago, coming back from my little COVID break, that’s when things slowed down from the playbook and being able to go focus on defenses and coverages, instead of having to worry about what my assignment is.”
Aiyuk (59 catches, 733 yards, five touchdowns) is 195 yards from breaking Rice’s franchise mark for rookie receiving yards (927 in 1985). Only Earl Cooper has more catches (83 in 1980) by a 49ers rookie.
“Going into a game, my mindset is that I’m going to have 200 yards, and then go from there,” Aiyuk said. “The mindset is not to worry about that record, but to go have the perfect game, which I’ve yet to do.
“If at the end of the season I look up and the record is broken, that would be pretty exciting, but we have two games left and that’s the main focus right now.” KITTLE COMEBACK >> Coach Kyle Shanahan said he’d be surprised if George Kittle does not play Saturday, his first game since a Nov. 1 foot fracture. “He looks as fresh and healthy as everybody out there,” Shanahan said on KNBR 680-AM. “I’m excited to talking to him tomorrow to make sure his body feels right, and the injury he did have, he has no worry about after practicing real hard ( Wednesday).”
As excited as teammates will be to have him back, Shanahan added: “We have to be smart with it, though. We have to understand that you’re not just putting George Kittle what we’re used to out there. He hasn’t played in a while. … Whatever he can be out there for, whether it’s one play or 30 plays, I know I’ll take any of it.”
BOSA, FORD UPDATE >> While Nick Bosa rehabilitates his surgically repaired knee in Southern California, fellow injured pass rusher Dee Ford ( back) remains around the team in Arizona, much to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s delight.
“Nick is in great spirits. He’s working his tail off trying to get through and get his strength back and all that stuff and he feels great,” Saleh said. “Then Dee, we see him, he’s here. So, we see him every day. He’s working through his stuff and not exactly sure where he is with regards to everything, but he’s in great spirits.”
Bosa tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Week 2. Ford only played in the season opener before neck and back pains sidelined him.
“Both of them are in great spirits and working through their ailments and trying to get better every day,” Saleh added. “Love that Dee Ford is around because he does have an amazing smile and he’s a hell of a personality. So, we enjoy his presence and then obviously, Nick, we miss his presence being around the building. He’s one of those lovable guys.”
SHERMAN’S INSPIRATION >> Cornerback Richard Sherman’s three seasons with the 49ers are being remembered for not only his on-field presence but also his veteran leadership among the 49ers.
“Since Day 1, Richard, he’s been like a father figure to everybody in the locker room,” nose tackle D. J. Jones said. “You just watch him, pick his brain. He’ll never tell you no and not answer a question for you. He’s the ultimate pro and I can’t wait to see him in the Hall of Fame.”
Added linebacker Dre Greenlaw: “Incredible dude. One of those guys that loves the game of football but actually cares for you too as a teammate and as a friend. Someday when stuff not doing good, Richard sherman is the first person there.
“He does a good job getting me refocused and motivating me. When he sees me, he says, ‘ The Law,’ and being the guy he is, that gives me confidence.”
Sherman is slated to hit free agency in March. A calf issue has kept him out of practice this week, after it sidelined him nine games after the season opener. He’s moonlighted at safety for a couple snaps in recent games, and while that may be a position switch in the future, Saleh said it’s just now “a cool, different way to use him and his instincts and his vision.”
JOB INTERVIEWS? >> NFL teams can start interviewing prospective head coaching candidates virtually. Has Saleh been approached yet, and have the 49ers granted permission for such interviews? “I’ve had no dialogue,” Saleh said. “I haven’t really spoken to anyone and I really haven’t thought about it. We play Saturday and we’ve still got a game the following week with Seattle. So, they’ve got my full attention.”
INJURY REPORT >> Defensive end Dion Jordan and free safety Tarvarius Moore returned in limited fashion from knee injuries but still out of practice were defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (knee), Sherman (calf) and safety Jimmie Ward (concussion). Running back Raheem Mostert (ankle), quarterback Nick Mullens (right elbow), and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (hamstring) already have been ruled out from returning this season.