Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Jalen Tolbert

Thursday, November 5, 11:09 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could still return to the organization, although general manager John Lynch stopped short of suggesting a reunion is likely. Speaking Thursday on KNBR, Lynch said "everything's possible" when asked whether San Francisco would consider bringing Aiyuk back, according to Harrison Rich of the San Francisco Chronicle. The comments represent a softer stance than Lynch's January declaration that Aiyuk had likely played his final snap with the 49ers. Aiyuk has applied for reinstatement from the reserve/left squad list and plans to report to the team's facility Friday afternoon. Lynch explained that San Francisco is working with the NFL Management Council toward a resolution, with releasing, trading or retaining the receiver among the possibilities. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated Wednesday that he has mentally moved on from Aiyuk, who hasn't played since suffering a significant knee injury in October 2024. With his playing future unresolved, Aiyuk remains without immediate redraft fantasy value.