The San Francisco 49ers are wrapping up a challenging 2024 season marked by numerous injuries, with several key players still recovering as training camp begins. The team will hold a full report on Tuesday, but as of Friday, six players have started camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, while two others are on the active/non-football injury list.
The wide receiver group is notably impacted, with Brandon Aiyuk sidelined due to a knee injury and Ricky Pearsall missing much of the offseason activities because of a hamstring issue. Pearsall’s status points to a minor setback, contrasting earlier optimism from coach Kyle Shanahan that Pearsall, a second-year wideout, would be ready for camp. Aiyuk continues to recover from a torn ACL sustained in week 7, leaving his availability for the regular season uncertain.
Other players affected include offensive lineman Andre Dillard (ankle) and defensive lineman Nucil Gross Matos, safety Malik Mustafa, and linebacker Curtis Robinson, all dealing with knee injuries and starting camp on the PUP list. Shanahan noted in June that both Grosmatos and Dillard would likely be back by camp’s start. Additionally, offensive lineman Ben Burkett and safety George Odham are beginning camp on the non-football injury list.
Players on these lists count against the 90-man roster but can be activated anytime and join team activities while they recover.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for NFL fans because the 49ers’ health heavily influences their competitiveness in an already tough league. How quickly these injured players return could shape not just the team’s success but also fan excitement and the dynamic of the NFC West division this season.
