49ers training camp preview: Brandon Aiyuk’s unknown status looms over wide receivers

Aside from Brandon Aiyuk's status, the 49ers must use training camp to decide on key backup roles among their wide receivers.

SANTA CLARA – The 49ers return the NFL’s rushing champion, and, yet, it’s their wide receivers who dominated the headlines all offseason. Yes, wide receivers, plural.

Brandon Aiyuk’s contract status hogged the spotlight, all while the 49ers expanded their unit, from drafting Ricky Pearsall at No. 31 overall to welcoming back 2017 slot gem Trent Taylor.

Here is a complete look at the wide receiver corps entering training camp:

WHO’S HERE

Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Chris Conley, Ronnie Bell, Jacob Cowing, Trent Taylor, Danny Gray, Tay Martin, Terique Owens

AiYUK’S HOLDOUT (HOLD-IN)

Even if Aiyuk reports to camp on time on July 23 to avoid a $50,000 daily fine, he could opt to work out on the side and steer clear of practices, similar to Deebo Samuel’s approach two years ago before his three-year extension. Or Aiyuk stays away and digs in further after his side went public Tuesday with a trade request. He is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, so his connection with Brock Purdy is only strengthening, though they should have hooked up for more than three catches per game in last season’s playoff run.

PEARSALL’S ROOKIE ROLE

Pearsall’s sure hands and route running impressed in the organized team activities and minicamp. Now comes the next stage, when contact is permitted in practices, followed by preseason games. He was placed on the non-football injury list Tuesday, but whether he’ll miss any camp time is unknown. He’ll be asked to learn all receiver spots, but the slot might be where he initially fits best. He will also need to prove capable as a punt returner, although fellow rookie Cowing has the speed better suited for that role (and specialized offensive plays).

SAMUEL’S APPROACH

This is Samuel’s sixth training camp – and it could be his last if the 49ers’ financial commitments force him out next spring. He was a positive presence throughout this past offseason program, and he remains in lockstep with Kyle Shanahan. Samuel’s career seemingly peaked in 2021, but he remains a go-to option in clutch situations, and that should not be dismissed. He participated in the 49ers’ offseason program, then worked out afterward in the Phoenix area alongside Pearsall and others.

LAST CHANCE SALOON?

The 49ers have a collection of receivers on the roster bubble, so special teams will play a deciding factor in their employment, similar to how Conley worked out last season and ultimately excelled on Super Bowl special teams. The speedy but seldom-seen Gray needs to make a favorable impression at long last. Bell was thrust into action as a rookie (three of his six catches went for touchdowns) before being inactive through the playoffs. Taylor’s encore, after a 2017-20 tenure, is especially intriguing if he proves stealth in the slot and is a more sure-handed option than any other punt returner.

THIRD-AND-JAUAN

For three consecutive seasons, Jauan Jennings used his physicality to move defenders and move the chains in critical situations. That earned him a contract extension through 2025. He had only one touchdown each of the past two seasons, so the 49ers should use camp to work on more red zone targets to his 6-foot-3 frame.

OWENS’ EXPECTATIONS

As sentimental as it is to see Terrell Owens’ son, Terique, in a 49ers uniform, he’s an undrafted rookie who is still learning a lot about the sport. Can he learn enough to serve as a reliable receiver on the practice squad and scout teams this season?