The San Francisco 49ers do not anticipate Brandon Aiyuk to return anytime soon. Aiyuk’s 2024 season ended prematurely in Week 7 due to torn ACL and MCL injuries sustained in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 20th. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has not given a specific timeline for Aiyuk’s return, mentioning that players often begin to be considered for return around Week 6, which could mean a comeback anywhere between Week 5 and Week 10.
Aiyuk is currently on the preseason Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. If he remains on the reserve/PUP list when the regular season starts, he will be ineligible to play until Week 5 at the earliest. Players on this list can return to practice by Week 9, after which they have a 21-day window to be activated to the roster. Failure to return within this timeframe means they stay on the reserve list for the rest of the season.
The most optimistic prediction from Shanahan has Aiyuk returning on October 2nd for a key NFC West game against the Los Angeles Rams, marking nearly a year out due to injury. Another possible return spot is November 9th, also against the Rams, but in either case, significant games will be missed. The 49ers won’t see Aiyuk back before Week 5, with his overall timeline still unclear.
Aiyuk’s early return would be a huge boost for the 49ers. He had a breakout 2023 season with 1,342 receiving yards, 75 catches, and seven touchdowns, which earned him a lucrative four-year, $120 million contract extension after a holdout in 2024 training camp. Prior to his injury in 2024, Aiyuk had 25 catches for 374 yards but no touchdowns over six games.
With longtime receiver Deebo Samuel traded to the Washington Commanders, Aiyuk and fellow receiver Jauan Jennings lead the depth chart when healthy. Jennings, however, is sidelined with a calf injury amid contract discussions, though Shanahan attributes his absence to genuine injury issues. Rookie first-round pick Christian Pearsall might see more action if Aiyuk remains out, while fourth-round rookie Jordan Watkins is also expected to miss significant time due to a sprain.
On a positive note, running back Christian McCaffrey completed a full training camp after missing much of 2024 with various injuries, giving the 49ers hope for a healthier offense.
Fan Take: Brandon Aiyuk’s absence is a major storyline for NFL fans because his return could significantly shift the 49ers’ offensive dynamics and playoff prospects. His recovery timeline and performance will be critical to watch, as it could impact how the team—and the NFC West division—shape up this season.
