SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Little more than a week into training camp, the San Francisco 49ers are already dealing with plenty of questions.
Once again, many of those linger over what's going on at wide receiver.
Brandon Aiyuk is still estranged, Ricky Pearsall will have season-ending surgery on the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his right knee, Deebo Samuel is back and the Niners are hoping at least one of their young wideouts is ready for a bigger role opposite Mike Evans.
Here's a look at the most pressing issues surrounding one of San Francisco's most intriguing position groups, with additional insight from Washington Commanders reporter John Keim.
Where do things stand between the 49ers and Aiyuk?
After announcing Pearsall will miss this season, Niners general manager John Lynch said there was no update on Aiyuk's situation. The ball remains in Aiyuk's court regarding whether he is going to force San Francisco to make a move.
For now, Aiyuk is on the reserve/left squad list. He has had that designation since December, meaning he doesn't count against the 49ers' 90-man roster or their salary cap. For anything to change, Aiyuk must first apply with the NFL for reinstatement. Aiyuk could then force the Niners to do something by reporting for training camp or, at a minimum, reaching out to the organization and telling it he plans to report.