Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Matthew Golden

Tuesday, December 2, 11:37 AM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said he is "not sure" but "hopeful" when asked if it's realistic to expect wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to take the field in 2025, per David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Aiyuk tore multiple ligaments in his knee in Week 7 of the 2024 season and has yet to play in a game since. Aiyuk was one of the most efficient wide receivers in the NFL in the last full season he played back in 2023, recording 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 targets. However, it appears as though he may not be healthy until 2026. Aiyuk also may be locked into a contract stand-off with the team, as the 49ers reportedly voided guarantees in his current contract. Between the injury and the contractual issues, fantasy managers should likely proceed as though Aiyuk will not play a fantasy-relevant role in 2025.

Thursday, December 11, 6:54 PM

Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden (wrist) was a limited participant again in Thursday's practice session, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Golden has been held back by a nagging wrist injury for a few weeks now, and it contributed to him barely playing on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. The rookie first-rounder played just 9.4% of the offensive snaps and saw one target. It was by far his lowest snap share of the season, with his previous low being the last game he played in Week 11 against the New York Giants. It's difficult to see Golden's role ticking back up with Jayden Reed returning from injury in Week 14, and the Texas product can't be trusted by fantasy managers in a tough Week 15 matchup against the Denver Broncos on the road.