49ers' Shanahan Would Be 'Surprised' if Brandon Aiyuk Sees Normal Workload vs. Jets

The San Francisco 49ers have Brandon Aiyuk back but that doesn't mean he is going to play a full allotment of snaps right away.

The franchise extended the All-Pro wide receiver on Aug. 29 after he staged a hold-in during training camp. While the situation is resolved, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that he would be "surprised" if Aiyuk had a "typical workload."

The 49ers open the 2024 season on Monday against the New York Jets. Aiyuk missed the entirety of the preseason while waiting for his four-year, $120 million deal.

While Aiyuk may need to shake off some rust, his 2023 production shows exactly what he is capable of in the potent San Francisco offense.

Aiyuk made 105 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023, helping San Francisco go 12-5 and earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC. He added nine catches for 149 yards and a touchdown in the postseason, which was his strongest playoff production of his career.

If he needs a few weeks to reach peak form, the 49ers certainly have the weapons to get by. Brock Purdy will have players like Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey to utilize until Aiyuk is ready to wreak havoc.