49ers players Brandon Aiyuk and Brock Purdy worked overtime to restore their chemistry

SANTA CLARA – Brandon Aiyuk did not catch a single pass from Brock Purdy during the wide receiver's long hold-in period while waiting for a contract extension.

Now that the second-team All-Pro has signed his four-year, $120 million contract extension, the two offensive stars have put in extra time after practice to recreate the chemistry they showed in 2023.

The extra work reinforces coach Kyle Shanahan’s positive view of the situation.

“They were great,” Shanahan said Saturday. “They started throwing together. Saturday was the first time they came here by themselves and just did it. And I think they did it Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and today. So they didn't miss a beat.”

It will be a challenge for Aiyuk to repeat his previous career high of 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns after missing the entire offseason program, but the extra work will help him.

“[Aiyuk] will get back into the flow of things,” Shanahan said. “You ask a lot of a guy and then expect him to stay the same. But he looks that way in practice and he's getting better every week.”

Although Aiyuk's time off lasted several months, the wide receiver actively participated in classroom sessions. The Arizona State product also did mental exercises while watching practice from the sidelines.

Still, Shanahan will be careful not to put too much pressure on Aiyuk in his first game since Super Bowl LVIII.

However, if the chemistry between Purdy and Aiyuk quickly becomes apparent, Shanahan is known to rely on the “hot hand.”

“I think he usually plays most of the game, and I'd probably be surprised if he played that much,” Shanahan said. “But he's in good shape. He's had a really good week. His soreness hasn't been too bad after every practice. He's been pushing himself and doing a few extra things afterward. He looks good and ready to go.”

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