Brandon Aiyuk surprised by lack of opportunities at season opener

Brandon Aiyuk shared the snaps with Trent Sherfield on Sunday, Aiyuk playing 26 of 55 and Sherfield 27. Aiyuk never saw a pass thrown at him, while Sherfield made two catches for 23 yards and a touchdown.

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has said Aiyuk is not in the doghouse but just hasn’t trained enough. Sherfield took advantage of additional practice reps in Aiyuk’s absence to gain more playing time.

Aiyuk, a 2020 first-round pick, admitted on Friday he was surprised at his lack of involvement.

“Absoutely [surprised], but that was last week, ”Aiyuk said, via Jennifer Lee Chan of NBCSportsBayArea.com. “I don’t really focus on that anymore. Another task to accomplish this week. I care more than anything.

Aiyuk, who led the team in receiving yards as a rookie, is not in the injury report with his hamstrings fully healed.

“I’ve already started to understand in this league that it’s never a steady path to the top,” Aiyuk said. “You’re going to have really high times, low times. I think it all depends on how you refocus, rebalance, and get back on track afterwards.

“That’s how I see it, as an opportunity as an added motivation to come back here and refocus, come back online and keep moving forward.”