49ers Kyle Shanahan labels WR Brandon Aiyuk as "inconsistent" ahead of Eagles game
9/15/21 | News, Notes, and Quotes
Practice Report:
Shanahan on current RB depth:
“Anytime you lose a player like Raheem, I mean Raheem’s a captain, one of the best players on our team. That definitely hurts.
As you can see with the way Elijah stepped up, when he came in, he did a helluva job. I have a lot of confidence in Hasty to do the same. And same with Trey, he will get his opportunity now to most likely be up. We have some depth here, we always have.”
49ers “claim” Ravens RB Trenton Cannon
Right after Shanahan’s presser, the 49ers dipped into the waiver wire and “claimed” RB Trenton Cannon from the Baltimore Ravens. For those who don’t understand the meaning behind a player being “claimed,” you can read the full article on that below as I take you into a deep dive on that type of transaction:
Originally a 2018 6th-round pick (No. 204) selected by the New York Jets, Cannon instantly becomes the No. 5 RB on the team’s depth chart. Shanahan loves to carry at least 4, so this move was not surprising, once RB Raheem Mostert was lost for the season.
In 35 career games and playing for three teams; Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Baltimore Ravens, the Virginia State running back amassed 50 carries for 151 rushing yards (3.0 avg.), and 1 TD.
49ers sign RB Kerryon Johnson to practice squad
Just yesterday the team announced the signing of RB Kerryon Johnson. A 2018 2nd-round pick (No. 43) coming out of Auburn, the Lions “waived” Johnson and was “claimed” by the Eagles after three seasons.
The Eagles then “waived” Johnson with an injury designation and placed him on injured reserve. He was then officially released by the team on August 26, 2021.
The 49ers then signed Johnson to the team’s practice squad, as no one “claimed” him in the waiver wire pool. Could he be signed to gain intel on the Eagles? I think yes. Below is an updated practice squad roster for the 49ers.
Practice squad (16 player limit + one international player exemption)
Players re-signed after being "released" by the team: QB Nate Sudfeld, WR Travis Benjamin, TE Jordan Matthews, OG Senio Kelemete
Claimed off waiver wire: RB Trenton Cannon
Players signed after being "waived" by team: FB Josh Hokit, WR River Cracraft, OT/OG Colton McKivitiz, DL Alex Barrett, DL Darrion Daniels, S Jared Mayden
Players signed: TE Tanner Hudson, CB Dee Virgin, RB Kerryon Johnson, LB Curtis Bolton
International Player Pathway exemption: OT Alfredo Gutierrez
WR Brandon Aiyuk in the dog house?
“Anytime that you do have a setback with a hamstring, and you have a guy behind you who’s playing as well as Trent’s played…he’s been a helluva football player for us since he’s been here,” Coach Shanahan said in today’s presser.
“Aiyuk’s been a little inconsistent cause he’s been in and out with his injury and stuff…Aiyuk still has a chance to get that spot up and not rotate as much, Trent just doesn’t make that very easy.”
Sherfield was targeted 3 times last week and made the most of those limited opportunities--2 catches for 23 receiving yards (11.5 avg.) and 1 TD. Aiyuk was given a goose egg. In fact, after fielding one punt, he was later replaced by WR Mohamed Sanu.
Does this mean, Aiyuk is in the dog house? Just one year removed from being the team’s WR1? Time will tell.
As the 49ers gear up for the NFC East Philadelphia Eagles it will be interesting to see how the target share will be dispersed. The running game is always a game of riding the hot hand but the receiving core is a different story.
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