The NFL cleared Aiyuk off the reserve/left squad list, giving San Francisco two weeks to sort out his future.
Brandon Aiyuk is back on the 49ers' active radar, technically. The NFL reinstated the wide receiver from the reserve/left squad list on Monday, a move that starts a two-week clock for the team to figure out what comes next.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan wasted no time downplaying the significance, saying the reinstatement means "absolutely nothing" to the 49ers. It is a telling response after more than two years of friction between Aiyuk and the organization, friction that has included plenty of subliminal shots from the receiver's side.
Aiyuk, 28, has spent much of the past two seasons signaling he wants out, much to the annoyance of San Francisco's front office. The reinstatement does not mean he is suiting up for the 49ers anytime soon. It simply forces a decision. A trade has long been the expected outcome, though after burning bridges with the front office, Aiyuk may not have much leverage in choosing his next destination.
For now, the ball is in the 49ers' court. They have two weeks to determine his roster status, and all signs point toward an exit rather than a reconciliation.