With training camp underway for the 49ers, San Francisco has turned to Chris Foerster to run things while coach Kyle Shanahan recovers from injuries suffered in a car accident.
Shanahan, 46, was involved in a two-car wreck earlier this month, resulting in him suffering a “severe concussion,” broken nose, hand and ribs. While many around the NFL have sent positive vibes and prayers in the direction of the ninth-year coach, current disgruntled 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk appeared to do the opposite.
The former All-Pro, who hasn’t played since 2024 and has been demanding the 49ers release him for months, took to Instagram with messages that seemingly mocked Shanahan’s accident.
Despite what appears to be shade from Aiyuk hinting at negligence, Shanahan has taken full responsibility for the incident.
“I was going 20 miles an hour,” Shanahan told 49ers beat reporters Tuesday. “I was not on my phone, but I dropped my phone, and it was stuck in my seats. It was on my lap, and it slid off, and I went down to look for it, and took my eyes off the road for two seconds, and as I was coming up, the airbags hit me in my face.”
After a perceived slight directed at his head coach, Aiyuk has been no saint on the road himself. The 28-year-old, who has been desperately pleading to end up with the Washington Commanders, had a warrant out for his arrest on a misdemeanor speeding charge back in June.
While it’s expected that Shanahan will eventually return, Aiyuk’s injury history and social media antics have made it impossible to determine if he will ever play a down in the NFL again.
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