49ers GM John Lynch Throws Major Shade at Brandon Aiyuk After Practice No-Show

The San Francisco 49ers expected star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk back at practice on Wednesday, but the 26-year-old was nowhere to be seen.

Aiyuk hasn’t participated in any on-field activities during 49ers’ training camp or played in any of the team’s preseason games, and his hold-in appears to be intensifying after reports indicated the two sides were making some progress toward a new deal.

While no one presumably has a good reason for why the 49ers haven’t agreed to terms on a contract extension with their former first-round pick, GM John Lynch appears to be growing tired of Aiyuk’s schtick, and the tone of his comments about the situation seem to be growing in indignation.

Speaking to 49ers fans at a Players for a Purpose event on Wednesday night, Lynch seemingly threw some shade Aiyuk’s way with a very pointed message.

“There’s been a lot of talk this training camp on who we don’t have here — we’ll take care of that business, but I’m focused on what we do have here: Deebo,” Lynch said. “I see these guys work every day, and I know what’s about to go down this season. These guys have put in the work, they’ve committed [and] it’s about stacking days.”

It was the second time in a matter of hours that Lynch had to address Aiyuk and his absence from the 49ers’ offseason.

Why the Arizona State alum wasn’t present on Wednesday was among the first questions he was asked after that day’s practice.

“I'm not going to get into any communication, but at some point you've got to play,” Lynch told reporters.

While a resolution to the situation doesn’t seem to be imminent, the regular season is less than two weeks away and the 49ers can’t afford to head into Week 1 without Aiyuk or left tackle Trent Williams, who’s holding out for a new contract as well.