49ers minicamp (June 2025) sees a perfect Jake Moody & healthy Trent Williams, but Brandon Aiyuk's holdout continues to be the team's biggest question.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The San Francisco 49ers kicked off mandatory minicamp on a high note Tuesday, with a welcome lack of the contract drama or surprise injuries plaguing other teams around the league. Instead, Santa Clara was buzzing with positive signs, from the reassuring presence of a healthy Trent Williams to a perfect, retooled performance from kicker Jake Moody. While the good vibes were flowing, the team's biggest question mark—the return of star wideout Brandon Aiyuk—continues to linger.
100% on the day: Jake Moody went a perfect 6-for-6, hitting from as far as 55 yards out with his new two-step kicking technique.
In a refreshing change of pace, the 49ers opened camp with full attendance and no drama. With contract holdouts becoming an annual league-wide storyline, seeing the team focused squarely on football is a major win. The first day was smooth and efficient, setting a professional tone as the team begins its final preparations before the long break preceding training camp.
Two of the biggest smiles on Tuesday undoubtedly belonged to fans of offensive line play and special teams. Left tackle Trent Williams, whose absence was sorely felt during the final seven games of last season, was back on the field and looking healthy. The 36-year-old 'Silverback' showed no signs of slowing down, putting retirement talk firmly to rest. Meanwhile, kicker Jake Moody stole the show, nailing every single one of his attempts. He showcased a new, quicker two-step approach, a change designed to boost accuracy. If Day 1 is any indication, the adjustment is working wonders.
With Christian McCaffrey locked in as the league's top back, the battle for the RB2 spot is heating up. Second-year runner Isaac Guerendo, now fully recovered from the MCL and ankle sprains that ended his rookie season, was a full participant and looked explosive. Following the departures of Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell, Guerendo is in a prime position to seize the primary backup role, but he'll face stiff competition from veteran Patrick Taylor and rookie Jordan James. This will be one of the most intriguing battles to watch as camp progresses.
While the on-field news was largely positive, the shadow of Brandon Aiyuk's injury still looms large. The star receiver is still recovering from the torn ACL and MCL he suffered last October, and the team has yet to provide a concrete timeline for his return. His absence creates a significant void in the passing game, and the 49ers' Super Bowl aspirations may well hinge on his ability to get back to 100%. For now, it remains a waiting game.
Overall, it was a productive and encouraging start to mandatory minicamp. The health of a legend like Trent Williams and the promising adjustment from Jake Moody provide a solid foundation. However, the Faithful will be holding their collective breath until there's positive news on Brandon Aiyuk's recovery. For now, the Niners are handling their business, with the next few days offering more clues about the running back hierarchy and the overall health of the squad heading into the summer break.
