NASHVILLE — Left tackle Trent Williams’ contract holdout got extra costly Saturday, though a potential pay raise will cushion the NFL-imposed fine he incurs.
Missing the 49ers’ preseason opener Saturday will cost him $1.1 million, or one week’s worth of his $20.05 million base salary this coming season. The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement calls for such a penalty, as well as $50,000 per day fines for training camp absences, which so far have totaled $650,000 for Williams’ camp boycott.
Williams remains on the non-reporting list and the 49ers will need to make a roster move once he reports, which is expected to happen within the next month before the Sept. 9 opener.
He is three years removed from signing a contract that made him the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman; he is now sixth in annual salary. Williams is believed to be training in his hometown of Houston.
AIYUK STATUS
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk also did not make the trip to Nashville. He is not subject to the same fine, as he reported to camp on time last month.
The 49ers, after months of inactivity, have resumed contract negotiations for Aiyuk, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and veteran reporter Jordan Schultz.
Aiyuk, who has not attended any of the 49ers’ 13 practices, responded in an Instagram comment (per TheSFNiners.com) that the Niners have “two options out there” and need to “pick one and stop releasing reports” to the media.
STARS STAY HOME
Among the 49ers who stayed in the Bay Area resting or rehabbing are defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner (foot), wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) and running back Christian McCaffrey (calf).
Quarterback Brock Purdy made the trip but is not expected to play. Brandon Allen expects to work the first half, Josh Dobbs the second half.
Likely Week 1 starters to suit up for this exhibition: safety Ji’Ayir Brown, right tackle Colton McKivitz and guards Aaron Banks and Dominick Puni.
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