In a video conference with reporters, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed starting wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and left tackle Trent Williams are both out for the team’s final game of the season against the Seattle Seahawks.
Aiyuk suffered a high-ankle sprain and Williams sprained his elbow in Saturday’s 20-12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Aiyuk has easily been the most impressive rookie of the 49ers’ class this season. In 12 games, Aiyuk hauled in 60 receptions for 748 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He also added 77 rushing yards and two touchdowns on six carries.
Williams was acquired for a 2020 fifth-round and 2021 third-round pick on Day 3 of the draft. The 32-year old left tackle had been one of the best offensive lineman in football over the last decade with the Washington Football Team, but had a falling out with the organization and sat out last season. Called on to replace 49ers legend Joe Staley, Williams more than filled Staley’s shoes, earning his eighth Pro Bowl selection.
San Francisco will likely turn to Justin Skule at left tackle, while Kendrick Bourne will get looks as the No. 1 receiver with Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel both sidelined. Samuel is out with a hamstring injury.
Defensive end Jordan Willis will also miss Sunday’s game with an ankle injury he sustained in Week 16’s win. Cornerback Richard Sherman was also ruled out while he continues dealing with a calf issue.