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George Kittle Backs 49ers’ Handling of Brandon Aiyuk Standoff

His comments strengthen the organization’s position as Aiyuk remains off the roster with guarantees voided and no reinstatement filed.

Overview

  • On Thursday, Kittle told the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast that he believes the 49ers have tried to resolve the dispute and that he “knows basically everything that’s happened.”
  • The 49ers voided portions of Aiyuk’s guaranteed money after concluding he missed contractual rehab obligations and then placed him on the reserve/left‑squad list, which removes him from the roster count and stops his pay.
  • Aiyuk has not filed for reinstatement, has posted public criticisms on social media, and has expressed a desire to join the Washington Commanders while refusing team‑directed rehab steps.
  • Kittle said he is back to running routes in his own rehab and is optimistic about being fully healthy by Week 1, but he emphasized he will not rush recovery.
  • Kittle’s public defense signals locker‑room support for the team’s approach and underlines the practical effect of the standoff: other clubs want current medical access and behavioral assurances before pursuing Aiyuk, which has cooled trade interest.