49ers pregame: Where things stand with Trent Williams, Brandon Aiyuk
NASHVILLE — Left tackle Trent Williams’ contract holdout got extra costly Saturday, even though an eventual pay raise will cushion the NFL-imposed fines he’s accruing.
Missing the 49ers’ preseason opener Saturday will cost him $1.1 million, or a week’s worth of his $20.05 million base salary this coming season. The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement calls for such penalty, as well as a $50,000 daily fine for missing training camp, which has amounted to $650,000 thus far for Williams’ camp boycott.
Williams remains on the Did Not Report list and the 49ers will have to make a roster move once he does report, which is expected to happen within the next month before the Sept. 9 opener.
He is three years removed from signing a contract that made him the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman; he now ranks sixth in annual salary. Williams is believed to be working out in his hometown of Houston.
AIYUK STATUS
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk did not make the trip to Nashville, either. He is not subject to the same fines, seeing how he reported to camp on time last month.
The 49ers, after months of being idle, have resumed contract negotiation for Aiyuk, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and veteran reporter Jordan Schultz.
Aiyuk, who has not participated in any of the 49ers’ 13 practices, replied in an Instagram comment (to TheSFNiners.com) that the Niners have “two options out there” and need to “pick one and stop dropping reports” to the media.
STARS STAY HOME
Among the 49ers who stayed in the Bay Area resting or rehabilitating are defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner (foot), wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) and running back Christian McCaffrey (calf).
Quarterback Brock Purdy did make the trip but is not expected to play. Brandon Allen figures to work the first half, Josh Dobbs the second half.
Probable Week 1 starters who will suit up for this exhibition: safety Ji’Ayir Brown, right tackle Colton McKivitz and guards Aaron Banks and Dominick Puni.