The San Francisco 49ers were without Brandon Aiyuk during the 2024 training camp. After weeks of holdouts and trade speculation, the contract impasse was solved in late August and the star receiver returned to the team.
But Aiyuk never made it through his first season after signing that contract, as he suffered a major injury. Now the 49ers are dealing with another extended absence as the star receiver works his way back from a serious injury.
Here’s the latest on Aiyuk’s injury and prognosis to return.
What Is Brandon Aiyuk’s Injury?
San Francisco lost its Week 7 Super Bowl rematch at home to the Kansas City Chiefs. Even worse, they lost Aiyuk.
In the second quarter of the game, Aiyuk was sandwiched between defenders after a reception. After the play, he remained down on the field as medical staff treated him. He was helped to the sideline and eventually carted to San Francisco’s locker room.
The injury appeared serious in real-time, and speculation only grew after replays showed the compromised position of Aiyuk’s leg during the collision with defenders. The 49ers eventually ruled him out of the rest of that game in the second half.
Following the game, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted the team was concerned about the injury being serious.
The team’s concerns were confirmed the following day when an MRI revealed that Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee.
When Will Aiyuk Return From Injury?
Placing Aiyuk on season-ending injured reserve was a certain move for San Francisco following the diagnosis of Aiyuk’s injury. What’s far less certain is the timeline for the receiver’s return.
Given the multi-ligament nature of the damage and the fact that the injury happened nearly halfway into the season, there’s no guarantee that Aiyuk will be ready to go for the start of the 2025 season. Missing the 2025 offseason program is a near certainty, and a ramping-up process during training camp or even the early stages of the regular season will proceed before Aiyuk integrates back into the offense.
SEE MORE: NFL Injury Report
Fortunately for Aiyuk, he secured a long-term extension before suffering the season-ending knee injury. That puts him under contract with the 49ers through 2028, and the team can’t realistically move on from the wide receiver until after the 2026 season. Even if 2025 doesn’t go swimmingly, he should have another chance in 2026 to prove he’s the same impact player who earned that contract.
How Will Aiyuk’s Absence Impact the 49ers?
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. Last season, Aiyuk hauled in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
George Kittle and Jauan Jennings have been the leading receivers in S.F. this season, sharing the team lead with 50 receptions. Jennings leads the team with 684 receiving yards, while Kittle paces with eight receiving touchdowns.
Aiyuk’s injury aside, the 2024 season has been one filled with adversity from both an injury and performance standpoint.
Star running back Christian McCaffrey missed the first eight games of the season recovering from Achilles tendinitis, then subsequently suffered another major PCL injury in Week 13 that is expected to end his season. Assuming his season is over, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year will finish with zero touchdowns in four games played.
Beyond McCaffrey, starting quarterback Brock Purdy was unable to play in Week 11 at Green Bay, and All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams has missed the last two games. Kittle and Deebo Samuel Sr. have missed time this year as well.
San Francisco hung tough for much of the season through injury problems but is on a three-game losing streak after a dispiriting blowout in the snow of Orchard Park, N.Y., in Week 13. The 49ers are 5-7 and in last place in the NFC West entering Week 14, with their playoff hopes rapidly dwindling as their personnel losses pile up.