Klay Kubiak spoke glowingly about the second year wide receiver
Klay Kubiak took to the podium today to discuss his new role as Offensive Coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers and offered some encouraging updates about the wide receiver room during training camp.
Kubiak offered up some information on Brandon Aiyuk’s role while rehabbing from his knee injury in 2024.
When asked about Aiyuk’s presence at training camp and simulating routes, Kubiak offered insight into the former All-Pro’s involvement in team meetings and on the sidelines.
“It’s been awesome. You know, he is out there every day. He’s with those guys. He’s very much a part of the position group. Meaning he is not just isolated doing his rehab and then being around the building. He’s in the individual drills with them, and he’s on the field. When we are in meetings, he’s engaged. When we’re at walkthroughs, he’s with those guys. He’s helping [wide receivers/passing game specialist Leonard Hankerson] Hank kind of coach on the side. I’m really happy with BA right now with where he is at. Obviously, he is doing his rehab, and he’s doing what he has to do to be ready to go.”
Jordan Watkins has an expanded role while Jauan Jennings and Jacob Cowing deal with their injuries, but Kubiak praised the rookie’s mindset and preparation.
“Another guy we’re impressed with mentally. He did a good job in the spring, obviously he had a good OTAs, but coming back and just starting to stack days and stack in the mental, that’s the strain on a rookie. Obviously, the strain on your body, but then the mental strain of come showing up to practice every day and being on it. And he does that, right? He has shown that he can handle the mental load. He does a really good job and he’s just got to keep getting better and keep showing up to practice and getting after it.”
Ricky Pearsall got a scheduled day off today, as Kyle Shanahan outlined during his ramp-up period, and Kubiak showed his enthusiasm about the second-year receiver’s ability and upside.
“I just think the more Ricky’s out there, the more you see him, his route running, how polished it’s become. I think as the year went on last year, he just got so much better versus man-to-man coverage. The more man coverage you see, the more physical DB play you see. Ricky gets better and that excites me a lot. He’s a guy who’s going to rise to the occasion with more physical, defensive back play but he’s got to be out there. He’s got to be consistent. So, I think Ricky just gets better and better the more he is out there. He’s just got to stay out there and stay healthy and take care of his body. I think the sky’s the limit for him.”
Regarding Jennings’ progress with his calf injury, Kubiak responded by saying the team will take it day by day and evaluate him daily. Cowing has also been attending meetings regularly. “Same things, we talked about with BA, but just meeting rooms, being attentive, being dialed in, like you’re going out there to practice. Just preparing mentally, being on the side and watching from the side, and being engaged with the group. That’s all you can do. And then taking care of your rehab and getting your body ready to go from when the time comes,” Kubiak said.