49ers preparing for stunning split with star receiver Brandon Aiyuk (paywall)
“It’s now likely that he has played his last game with the franchise, according to numerous sources briefed on the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive situation. Some in the organization are holding out hope that the relationship can be salvaged enough for him to return this season. However, multiple sources believe that a reconciliation is unlikely….Aiyuk, sources say, has failed to attend meetings and declined to participate in other team activities in recent months, and the 49ers have grown increasingly frustrated with the receiver’s lack of communication.
The 49ers, sources say, responded by voiding the guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s contract for 2026, asserting that the absences amounted to a failure to fulfill his contractual obligations. Aiyuk, according to multiple league sources, told NFL Players Association representatives that he did not want to fight the move via an official grievance. That would clear the way for his expected release at season’s end.
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Aiyuk did not respond to a text message seeking comment. His agent, Ryan Williams, declined to comment. A spokesman for the 49ers declined to comment.
In voiding Aiyuk’s future guarantees, the 49ers can recover a significant portion of the contract. His 2026 option bonus would have paid out $24.935 million. He stood to earn a $1.215 million base salary for the 2026 season, as well as a $100,000 workout bonus and roster bonuses of $750,000 per game…..It was expected that Aiyuk could return for the latter part of this season, but he has remained on the PUP list. His presence at the team’s training facility has become scarce; sources say Aiyuk typically works out early in the morning and departs before other 49ers players arrive. Numerous members of the organization — including some 49ers players — have reached out to Aiyuk in recent weeks in an unsuccessful attempt to bring him back into the fold, one source said.“
49ers vs. Panthers injury report: Who missed practice ahead of key Week 12 matchup
“Defensive end Robert Beal Jr., kicker Eddy Piñeiro, and linebacker Tatum Bethune remained the only active-roster players sidelined by injuries. Beal, who is still in the concussion protocol, was spotted doing light running on a side field.
The 49ers will hold one more full practice—a Saturday session—before Monday night’s matchup against the Panthers.“
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How Deommodore Lenoir overcame tough ‘rookie slump’ to become team captain
“After my first year, that offseason. I played the first five games and then I sat down for the rest of the year. I had moved to Arizona that offseason and I was just looking at my film and seeing where I could get better, learn the scheme,” Lenoir said. “Just picking up on little things that I felt could enhance my game when I was playing. I took that time and looked at myself within, like, ‘Oh, maybe I’m not working harder. Maybe I need to be harder on myself here.’ That’s kind of just the approach I took.”
‘A moment I’ll never forget’: George Kittle on his late-night duet with Taylor Swift (paywall)
“Taylor Swift is cooler than you actually think she is,” Kittle said during an interview with Mike Golic and Mike Golic Jr. for FanDuel Sports Network on Thursday, Nov. 20. “She couldn’t be a nicer, more down-to-earth person.”
