
The San Francisco 49ers have had a bumpy offseason.
They got all their key contract extensions done, but injuries have been a big storyline, too, none bigger to the offense than wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
On Tuesday, he learned officially that he wouldn’t be playing for a while.
The 49ers placed Aiyuk on the physically unable to perform list, which means he’ll be inactive for at least the first four games of the season before being allowed to return to practice.
MORE: How Travis Kelce’s engagement to Taylor Swift impacts Chiefs TE’s retirement plans
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan has already said this month that Week 6 might be a logical return date for Aiyuk.
Aiyuk was injured in Week 7 last year, when he tore both his MCL and ACL.
The 49ers had already reduced their receiving corps this offseason when they traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.
Without Aiyuk, too, it looks like Ricky Pearsall will be WR1 in Week 1.
In seven games last season, Aiyuk had 25 catches for 374 yards.
MORE: The latest on the Browns and RB Quinshon Judkins
Before that, he had put together two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Aiyuk has played five seasons for the 49ers and has 294 catches for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns.
With Brock Purdy on a brand new big money contract, getting Aiyuk back will be imperative toward having the ‘Niners offense firing on full throttle.
But they’ll have to be patient a bit, because Aiyuk can’t play for at least four games after Tuesday’s PUP decision.
MORE NFL NEWS:
