The San Francisco 49ers will have to wait before seeing Brandon Aiyuk back on the field. The All-Pro receiver is still recovering from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, an injury suffered in Week 7 of last season against Kansas City.
49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk likely out until October after knee injury
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed his recovery on Monday, along with updates on quarterback Kurtis Rourke and safety Malik Mustapha, who are also coming back from ACL tears.
Shanahan didn’t set a firm return date, but his comments suggest none of them will be ready for Week 1.
Early season without Aiyuk
Shanahan mentioned that he usually starts looking for injured players to return “around Week 6,” but admitted that could mean earlier or later. The timing matches the NFL’s reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list rules.
If Aiyuk opens the regular season on the PUP list, he can’t return before Week 5, when the 49ers face the Rams on October 2. The later end of Shanahan’s estimate would put him back for another Rams matchup on November 9. Either way, San Francisco will be without him for at least the first month of the season.
The 49ers’ offense will feel that absence. In 2023, Aiyuk put up 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, earning a four-year, $120 million extension. His 2024 numbers were far quieter before the injury — 25 catches for 374 yards and no scores in six games.
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Who fills the gap?
With Deebo Samuel now in Washington, Aiyuk’s eventual return will be critical. For now, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall will lead the receiving corps. Pearsall, a second-year wideout, overcame a gunshot wound last season to post 400 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games. Jennings is dealing with a calf injury, and rookie Jordan Watkins will miss at least a month with a high-ankle sprain.
The one bit of good news for San Francisco is that Christian McCaffrey is healthy in camp after missing most of last season with lower leg injuries. His presence will be key while Aiyuk recovers.
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