Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Jack Bech

Thursday, July 10, 9:05 PM

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.

Friday, June 13, 1:15 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie second-round wide receiver Jack Bech has flashed during offseason workouts, but ESPN's Ryan McFadden points out that the majority of his reps have come with the second-team offense. "Dont'e and Jack did their stuff," head coach Pete Carroll said. "The idea is to force those guys to play early, and to do that, you have to ask them to do things they're good at." Dont'e Thornton Jr., the team's fourth-round selection, saw more action with the first-team offense. It's not a great sign for the 23-year-old Bech, but a lot can still happen in training camp this summer. Jakobi Meyers and tight end Brock Bowers are the top two targets in this offense, but there is opportunity beyond that. However, in what should be a much more balanced offensive attack that features a lot of first-round running back Ashton Jeanty, this might be a developmental year for Bech.