49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk has outburst at practice ahead of Patriots game, not expected to be disciplined

Aiyuk and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan appeared to have an animated conversation during Friday's practice.

A bizarre situation unfolded at the 49ers’ final practice of the week ahead of Sunday’s game against the Patriots.

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk had a confrontation with head coach Kyle Shanahan over shorts. In a video captured and shared on social media by Grant Cohn, the head coach was seen pointing toward Aiyuk’s shorts at one point in an aggressive manner.

Later on, Shanahan walked away from the star receiver before re-engaging in a conversation with Aiyuk as he appeared to say something to him. The two spoke for nearly a minute after Shanahan re-engaged in the conversation, with each of them making gestures with their arms.

It was unknown what Shanahan and Aiyuk were telling each other. However, Aiyuk was the only 49ers player in the clip who was wearing red shorts while everyone else was wearing black shorts.

When Shanahan and Aiyuk’s conversation ended, the receiver took off his red shorts and put on a black pair of shorts. He seemed to exaggerate taking off his shorts at one point, making a kicking motion.

Following San Francisco’s practice, Shanahan confirmed that the issue was over Aiyuk’s shorts.

“Yeah, he did. Good question,” Shanahan told reporters when asked if the issue with Aiyuk was over wearing the wrong shorts.

However, don’t expect Aiyuk to miss any time in Sunday’s game against the Patriots due to disciplinary reasons.

“No,” Shanahan said with a smirk when asked if Aiyuk will be disciplined. “I wish I could wear different shorts.”

Aiyuk’s outburst at Friday’s practice isn’t the only notable storyline surrounding him entering Sunday’s game. If you recall, the Patriots and 49ers reportedly agreed to the framework of a trade involving the receiver in August. However, Aiyuk didn’t show interest in signing a long-term extension with the Patriots.

After weeks of holding in at practice during 49ers training camp, Aiyuk and San Francisco finally agreed to a long-term extension in late August. He signed a four-year deal worth $120 million to make him one of the highest-paid receivers in football.

Aiyuk hasn’t entirely lived up to that price tag through the first three weeks of the season. He only has 11 receptions for 149 yards this season and has yet to score a touchdown.

When he met with reporters earlier in the week, Aiyuk said that opposing defenses had done a better job at understanding what routes he likes to run for Brock Purdy.

“A little bit different,” Aiyuk said. “They just know what we want to do, what we like to do, me and Purdy, especially.”

Aiyuk’s struggles are just one of the few concerning developments that the 49ers have been dealt to open the year. Running back Christian McCaffrey has been sidelined due to an Achilles injury. Deebo Samuel and George Kittle have also dealt with injuries, missing their Week 3 loss to the Rams. Kittle has said he’ll play in Sunday’s game while Samuel is listed as questionable. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave will also miss Sunday’s game due to a triceps injury.

So, with the 49ers at 1-2, maybe the Patriots are getting the defending NFC champs at a good point in the season with the bizarre practice incidents and injuries.