San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Monday that he thinks wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is getting "closer and closer" to being able to return to practice, but there's "no definitive target date for that yet," according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Aiyuk is getting closer to practicing after tearing his ACL and MCL in his knee in Week 7 of last year, but his return to actual game action is another story. Once the Niners designate Aiyuk to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list, they'll have 21 days to officially activate him for his 2025 debut. San Fran's receiving corps really has not been healthy all year, but they aren't going to rush Aiyuk back, and fantasy managers still should be expecting his return to come in the second half of the season. Once the former first-rounder is back in the fold, don't be surprised if he's eased back into the offense, given his long layoff.
Oct 13, 2025 8:25 PM EST
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday Night Football that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee), coming off a significant knee injury, is "still weeks away" from returning. Aiyuk was placed on the PUP list to start the season, which required him to miss at least the first four games of the year. It appears he will miss more time, with an uncertain timetable for his return. Fantasy managers who have the room to continue to hold him on their IR should, but with the number of injuries that have transpired over the last two weeks, fantasy managers who need to make room on their team for players closer to returning might want to consider that, as Aiyuk is looking like he won't return anytime in the next few weeks.
Oct 3, 2025 9:46 AM EST
The Athletic's David Lombardi reports that it doesn't look like Week 6 is a realistic date to expect wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list based on general manager John Lynch's recent comments. Aiyuk did not suffer a "clean" ACL tear -- he also had damage to his MCL -- in Week 7 of last year, hence a longer recovery. However, Lombardi added that Aiyuk hasn't had any setbacks during his recovery, and he's been seen sprinting at practices. Lynch said that the 27-year-old wideout is "not close" to coming off the PUP list in 2025. Fantasy managers who are stashing the former first-rounder are going to need to stay patient. In the meantime, receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) will remain the top pass-catchers for the banged-up Niners with tight end George Kittle (hamstring) out.
Sep 25, 2025 12:43 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) was seen sprinting at practice as he works his way back from the torn ACL and MCL he suffered in Week 7 of last season against the Kansas City Chiefs. Aiyuk opened the year on the PUP list and has yet to be activated, but his progress suggests he's on track to return later this season. A full recovery is still a tough ask given the severity of the injury, but Aiyuk's presence would be a huge boost for both the 49ers' offense and fantasy managers. Over his last three seasons, he has averaged 11.6 half-PPR points per game, including a WR14 finish in 2023. While there's no firm timetable for activation, Aiyuk projects as a potential impact option once he's cleared to play.
Sep 25, 2025 10:25 AM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) was spotted doing some running on the side during Wednesday's practice. It sounds like Aiyuk is continuing to make progress, but is still going to be sidelined for a few weeks. He's currently on the physically unable to perform list through Week 4. There haven't been many updates on his status lately. The assumption is that Aiyuk should be ready to play around Week 5 or 6, but there should be a better timetable closer to that date. Aiyuk should be stashed in most 12-team formats as he'll likely be a focal point of the offense once he's ready to play.
Sep 17, 2025 9:31 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice urged fans to temper expectations for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk earlier this offseason, noting, "It's going to take some time for him. I'd rely on those other guys to do most of the work and blend (Aiyuk) back in." Aiyuk is still recovering from the torn ACL and MCL he suffered in Week 7 of last season and has yet to resume practicing. In his absence, the 49ers have started 2-0 with steady contributions from Jauan Jennings and rookie Ricky Pearsall. With no firm return timeline, Aiyuk remains an uncertain fantasy asset and should not be counted on for meaningful production in 2025.
Sep 16, 2025 8:07 PM EST
The San Francisco 49ers officially placed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the 2025 season, which means he will miss at least the first four contests. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has already said that Aiyuk might be targeting a return around Week 6 on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 27-year-old suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Week 7 of last season, which is why he's not ready for the start of 2025. The former first-round wideout had been a major disappointment in fantasy before his season-ending knee injury, too, as he caught just 25 of 47 targets for 374 yards and didn't find the end zone once in seven games. It's understandable for fantasy managers to want to avoid him altogether this year, although he's still worth drafting in leagues with IR spots. With Aiyuk sidelined, Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall should serve as the top wideouts in San Fran.
Aug 26, 2025 5:06 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't thought about it much, but said that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) might return in Week 6. General manager John Lynch already said that he didn't think Aiyuk would be ready for Week 1 of the regular season in early September, but now it looks like the 27-year-old pass-catcher will be out much longer after tearing both his MCL and ACL in his right knee last October. Aiyuk is expected to begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which will require him to miss at least the first four games. He has not practiced with the team at all this year. Obviously, this is a big hit to Aiyuk's 2025 fantasy value. Aiyuk is stash-worthy in fantasy leagues that have designated Injured Reserve spots. In Aiyuk's absence, both Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall stand to benefit as key members of the passing attack.
Aug 11, 2025 5:05 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said that he "doesn't think" wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) will be cleared for Week 1, although there's still no official timetable set for his return after he tore both his ACL and MCL last year. Aiyuk has been on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list since the start of training camp, and if he remains there for the start of the regular season, he'll be forced to miss at least the first four weeks of the season. The 27-year-old had surgery on his right knee in mid-November of last year and has yet to practice at all. With Aiyuk potentially missing at least the first four weeks of 2025, he's dropped to No. 57 in RotoBaller's receiver rankings. The former first-rounder signed a big extension with San Fran before last season and then had only 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games before his season-ending injury.
Aug 7, 2025 12:05 PM EST
According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, the San Francisco 49ers are still unsure when Brandon Aiyuk (knee) will return to action. The 2023 All-Pro selection was the talk of the offseason last year as he negotiated a new contract following a 1,300-yard campaign, and unfortunately, he tallied just 374 receiving yards and no touchdowns in seven games before suffering a torn ACL in 2024. The 27-year-old could be set to start the new season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP), which would require him to sit out at least the first four games. Dynasty fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, and his cost in preseason redraft leagues is likely to continue to decline. Aiyuk could have a productive finish to the 2025 campaign if he can return to form, but it would be a surprise if he's a solid fantasy contributor early in the season. Wide receivers Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall stand to gain the most value in Aiyuk's absence.
Jul 30, 2025 3:07 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch says the team is "encouraged" about wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's (knee) recovery from the ACL and MCL tears that ended his 2024 season last October. However, Aiyuk is "not anywhere close to having a concrete timeline" to return to practices, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Aiyuk was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list on Friday, which means he can theoretically be activated at any point this offseason. Nevertheless, previous reporting has indicated Aiyuk is unlikely to be ready to go for the start of the regular season. In his absence, San Francisco will rely more heavily on receivers Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Demarcus Robinson, and Jacob Cowing. Rookie fourth-round wideout Jordan Watkins could also get more of a look in camp.
Jul 22, 2025 2:37 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) has been placed on the active/physically unable to perform list on Friday. This isn't shocking news given Aiyuk is still recovering from ACL and MCL tears from October of last year. The timetable for Aiyuk's return to the field is unclear right now. Some reports have him being ready by the start of the season, but that seems unlikely. Aiyuk probably misses the first month of the season. The 49ers are likely going to be limited to start the season with Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) also landing on the PUP list. Fellow wideout Jauan Jennings is unhappy with his contract and wants a new deal or to be traded. The 49ers could be forced to rely on Demarcus Robinson and Jacob Cowing early in the season. Aiyuk is certainly worth stashing given he might only miss the first month of the season, if he does miss that much time.
Jul 18, 2025 6:06 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is expected to start the 2025 season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which would sideline him for the first four games as he recovers from ACL and MCL tears in his right knee that he suffered in October of last year, per 49ers Webzone's David Bonilla. The Niners have already said that Aiyuk won't be ready for the start of training camp on July 22, and he's unlikely to be ready to go for Week 1 against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 7. However, the 27-year-old wideout has looked great during his rehab this offseason, which suggests there's still a chance he could be ready for the season opener. San Fran will likely play it safe with Aiyuk, who disappointed with 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns in 2024 before his injury. Even with Deebo Samuel Sr. gone, Aiyuk will face plenty of competition for targets when he returns, and will he even be the same receiver? His fantasy stock has taken a huge hit going into 2025.
Jul 10, 2025 9:05 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on the Pat McAfee Show this week that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is making great progress in his rehab from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee that he suffered last October. "Brandon is doing a tremendous job coming back. It's kind of incredible how well he's healing, and he's putting in the work," Lynch said. Lynch continued to stress that Aiyuk is still an important part of the team going forward, although he's probably not going to be able to make his 2025 debut until around midseason. After a contract dispute last summer, the 27-year-old caught just 25 passes for 374 yards and no touchdowns before his season-ending knee injury seven games into the season. When he returns, he'll battle for targets with George Kittle, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall. There are a lot of question marks surrounding Aiyuk going into 2025.
Jun 14, 2025 11:52 AM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is likely to be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list for training camp in late July as he continues his recovery from his ACL surgery, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Aiyuk also injured his MCL in Week 7 and missed the rest of the 2024 campaign. After holding out in training camp last year, the 27-year-old was a major disappointment for fantasy managers before his injury, as he caught just 25 of 47 targets for 374 yards and no touchdowns a year after posting a career-high 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. The 27-year-old former first-rounder isn't expected to be ready in 2025 until around midseason, so it's not much of a surprise that he'll land on the PUP for camp. With Aiyuk out, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) and Demarcus Robinson are expected to start in three-wide sets.
Jun 11, 2025 12:10 PM EST
There is still no official timeline for San Francisco 49ers Brandon Aiyuk's (knee) return in 2025, but general manager John Lynch expressed some optimism regarding his recovery from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee that he suffered last October. "Brandon's tracking in a good way with his knee, and you've just got to kind of let that play out," Lynch said. "We're not going to put him out there until he's ready, but we're excited with our receiver group and where we're at." Aiyuk will most likely not be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season, but if he continues to make strides in his rehab, he could return sooner than later. Regardless, the 27-year-old's fantasy stock has taken a big hit after he caught just 25 passes for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games before his season-ending injury last year. Until Aiyuk is able to return, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) will be the team's top wideouts.
May 30, 2025 12:36 PM EST
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the San Francisco 49ers are not expected to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee). The sixth-year pro will be due a bonus of $22.85 million on Tuesday if he is on the team's roster. Aiyuk exploded in 2023 with a 75-1,342-7 line and signed a four-year $120 million contract extension as a reward. However, a torn ACL and MCL in Week 7 of 2024 cut his season short, though it's worth noting he wasn't overly productive before the injury. The 49ers have already flipped one star wideout this offseason, sending Deebo Samuel Sr. to the Washington Commanders, so it is in the team's best interest to hold Aiyuk despite the hit to their cap. There is still no timetable for the 27-year-old's return, but he recently got good reviews regarding his recovery. He'll compete with teammates George Kittle and Jauan Jennings for targets when he's healthy.
Mar 31, 2025 3:16 PM EST
The San Francisco 49ers owe wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) a $22.85 million bonus if he's on their roster on April 1, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Once the 49ers pay that bonus, any potential trade talks this offseason for Aiyuk would be off and he'd be expected to spend the 2025 season with the Niners. Schefter reports that no trade is expected by then for Aiyuk, who is expected to miss around half of the season after tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. That will obviously be a huge hit to the 27-year-old's fantasy value for the 2025 season, especially after he was a big disappointment for his managers right before his season-ending knee injury. We will keep a close eye on Aiyuk's rehab this offseason, but as of right now, he won't be ready for training camp and will be a long shot to be ready for Week 1 this fall.
Mar 30, 2025 1:07 PM EST
The Athletic's David Lombardi said on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday that he doesn't "think it's likely that the San Francisco 49ers are gonna trade Brandon Aiyuk." However, he also said "it's something that they're not saying a firm no to, though." The new contract that Aiyuk signed before last season wouldn't necessarily be a deterrent to a trade as much as the fact that he tore his ACL and MCL last season. If a team wanted to trade for the 26-year-old former first-rounder, they'd be inheriting him at four years and $110 million. Aiyuk also has a $20 million guarantee that kicks in on April 1, so it gives San Fran a little extra time to try and find a trade partner, despite just recently dealing Deebo Samuel Sr. to the Commanders. Before Aiyuk's injury, he didn't look good with 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games. Depending on his recovery from his major knee injury, Aiyuk could be a rebound candidate in fantasy if he stays with the Niners now that Samuel is out of town.
Mar 6, 2025 9:20 PM EST
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday that the San Francisco 49ers are open to trading both wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Deebo Samuel Sr. The 49ers already traded Samuel to the Washington Commanders on Saturday in exchange for a fifth-round pick, so it's unclear if San Fran is still open to dealing Aiyuk. The 26-year-old suffered a torn ACL last October and reportedly turned down a trade to the Patriots last offseason due to their quarterback situation. It's uncertain if the Patriots would want Aiyuk now after his torn ACL, although Aiyuk could be more open to joining New England after QB Drake Maye's intriguing rookie season. Aiyuk could be ready for the start of the 2025 season, but it's not guaranteed, especially after he also suffered damage to his MCL in the Week 7 loss to the Chiefs. Aiyuk would certainly give Maye a bonafide No. 1 wideout in his second NFL season, though. Stay tuned.
Mar 2, 2025 12:05 PM EST
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