Niners WR Brandon Aiyuk caught just four balls for 43 yards in Sunday's loss to the Vikings. His 5 targets tied for third on the team, trailing WR Deebo Samuel and TE George Kittle. But Aiyuk saw increased playing time in his second game back from the hold-in.
Aiyuk jumped from 60% playing time in the Week 1 win over the Jets to 87% against the Vikings. He edged Samuel by two routes, 42-40, with Kittle and WR Jauan Jennings solidly behind at 31 apiece.
Aiyuk's 5 targets accounted for just 13.9% of Q Brock Purdy's pass attempts for the game. But that share is bound to rise now that the playing time has.
In addition to tying for third in targets, Aiyuk ranked third among 49ers in receptions and yards vs. Minnesota.
A Week 3 visit to the Rams, who just got shellacked by the Cardinals, could be a get-right spot for Aiyuk's numbers.
After that come home dates with the Patriots and Cardinals.
Samuel caught eight of his team-leading 10 targets. He racked up 110 yards, leading the team in that category and receptions as well.
His 10 touches Sunday followed 13 touches in Week 1 to mark the first time Samuel has garnered 10+ touches in consecutive games since 2021.
Even if Aiyuk commands more targets going forward, Christian McCaffrey's absence helps Samuel's weekly touch potential.
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