Following a lengthy holdout during training camp, Brandon Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers right before the start of the 2024 season. Freshly paid and coming off a Super Bowl loss, Aiyuk and the 49ers had high expectations and hopes of finally lifting the Lombardi Trophy together.
However, less than two months later, Aiyuk’s campaign came to a screeching halt when he suffered a serious knee injury. What’s the latest news on the Niners wide receiver?
What Is Brandon Aiyuk’s Injury?
Aiyuk was injured during the 49ers’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7, a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl. After hauling in a 15-yard catch from Brock Purdy in the second quarter, Aiyuk was sandwiched between Chiefs defensive backs Chamarri Conner and Trent McDuffie.
Following the hit, Aiyuk remained down on the field before being helped to the sideline and eventually getting carted to San Francisco’s locker room.
Brandin Aiyuk
Right knee injury
MCL sprain +
Bone bruise +
possible PCL +
Possible ACLLet’s hope he’s flexible, the exam is benign and somehow he got lucky. This one could go either way. pic.twitter.com/XSYF5k7y5d
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) October 20, 2024
Aiyuk was ruled out for the remainder of the game in the third quarter. Speculation about the nature of the injury grew when head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted that the team was “worried” about Aiyuk following the game.
San Francisco’s worst fears were confirmed the following day, as an MRI revealed that Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee as a result of the hit.
How Long Will Aiyuk Be Sidelined?
San Francisco placed Aiyuk on injured reserve after an MRI revealed the severity of his injury, and Shanahan confirmed it was a season-ending injury.
Given the significance of Aiyuk’s injury, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when he’ll be available to return in 2025. The 49ers already have ruled him out for the remainder of this season and likely won’t rush him back next year given the team’s depth at wide receiver.
It’s one thing to tear just an ACL, but considering Aiyuk also tore his MCL, he may take longer to recover than players who tear one knee ligament.
SEE MORE: NFL Injury Report
There aren’t many great recent points of comparison for Aiyuk. Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson tore both ligaments in Week 16 of last season and returned to play in Week 9 this year. Aiyuk suffered his injury nine weeks earlier than Hockenson, but that doesn’t mean you can pencil him in for the same timetable and a return in Week 1 of 2025.
Aiyuk was having a down season before injuring his knee. In seven games, the 26-year-old posted 25 catches for 374 yards (147 of which came in one game) and zero touchdowns. His 53.2 receiving yards per game were his lowest since 2021.
Luckily for Aiyuk, he secured a long-term extension before suffering a season-ending knee injury. While his loss is significant for the 49ers, there are still several intriguing wide receivers on San Francisco’s roster.
Fantasy Impact of Aiyuk’s Absence
Aiyuk won’t return this season and, therefore, is a non-factor for your fantasy football team in 2024. George Kittle has been the most valuable fantasy asset in the 49ers offense to date, and Christian McCaffrey’s return means the consensus No. 1 overall pick in preseason drafts is a must-start every week.
Strictly looking at wide receivers, there are three to keep an eye on for the 49ers in fantasy in the wake of Aiyuk’s injury.
Deebo Samuel Sr. has battled several injuries this season, but he remains one of San Francisco’s top weapons. Jauan Jennings has been the more reliable option, leading the 49ers with 588 receiving yards through Week 11. To date, Jennings has outperformed Samuel, averaging 15.6 PPR points per game compared to 11.3 for Samuel.
The return of first-round pick wide receiver Ricky Pearsall coincided with Aiyuk’s injury. Pearsall’s role should continue to expand moving forward, and he caught his first career touchdown in Week 10 vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pearsall has more value in keeper and dynasty leagues, but he is worth stashing in deeper leagues for the stretch run.