Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Jauan Jennings

Friday, May 30, 12:36 PM

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.

Saturday, May 10, 3:19 PM

Per the team's transcript on Thursday, San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak noted that wide receiver Jauan Jennings still views himself as the No.1 guy in San Francisco. Specifically, Kubiak was asked if Jennings would resume WR1 duties for the team with uncertainty surrounding teammate Brandon Aiyuk's (knee) status. "I think, if you ask Jauan, he says 'I'm No. 1," he replied. "And that's his mindset, and that's why we love Jauan." The 27-year-old was an afterthought in fantasy drafts last summer, but injuries opened up opportunity, and the former seventh-round pick ran with it. Jennings led all 49ers pass-catchers not named George Kittle in receptions (77), yards (975), and touchdowns (six). He may have to stave off a second-year ascension from fellow wideout Ricky Pearsall, but Jennings should again have a shot to be productive in 2025.