Shots fired: Brandon Aiyuk targets Kyle Shanahan after horrific crash

Brandon Aiyuk’s already fractured relationship with the San Francisco 49ers took another ugly turn after a pair of cryptic Instagram stories were interpreted as shots at coach Kyle Shanahan.Aiyuk posted two racing-themed messages: “You can’t win the race if you crash out,” followed by, “Keep yo head up and stay in yo own lane / You gone win.”The posts did not mention Shanahan by name, leaving Aiyuk’s intent unclear.However, Ari Meirov of MySportsUpdate highlighted the timing and characterized them as apparent jabs at the 49ers coach, who is still recovering from a serious July 14 car crash.Shanahan suffered a severe concussion, broken nose, three fractured ribs and a broken hand, along with facial injuries requiring more than 40 stitches and nearly resulting in a lost eye.

In a closed door meeting with reporters, Shanahan referenced taking his eyes off the road as a reason he veered out of his own lane and into oncoming traffic.The receiver has repeatedly attacked the 49ers on social media this summer, calling team officials “stupid and dumb” and “creepy predators.” He also declared that he would never play for or conduct business with the organization again, regardless of how much money it cost him.Aiyuk has pushed San Francisco to release him so he could join the Washington Commanders, but that possible landing spot has also become increasingly uncertain.Adam Schefter recently said the possibility of Aiyuk joining Washington had gone “off the track.” The receiver further complicated matters by directing a social-media jab at Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, his former Arizona State teammate, despite later portraying himself as Washington’s missing piece.Jeremy Fowler reported that teams believe Aiyuk’s online behavior has damaged his market and raised questions about his willingness to play.

Washington, meanwhile, has been linked to free-agent receiver Stefon Diggs instead.Aiyuk’s latest messages may have been generic motiva...