Following a lengthy holdout during training camp, Brandon Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers in late August. After landing his new deal, Aiyuk and the 49ers had high expectations and hopes of returning to the Super Bowl this season.
However, less than two months later, Aiyuk’s campaign came to a screeching halt when he suffered a serious knee injury. When will San Francisco’s top WR return?
What Is Brandon Aiyuk’s Injury?
Aiyuk was injured during the 49ers’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7. After hauling in a 15-yard catch from Brock Purdy, Aiyuk was sandwiched between Chiefs defensive backs Chamarri Conner and Trent McDuffie in the second quarter.
Following the hit, Aiyuk remained down on the field before being helped to the sideline and eventually 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 as speculation grew about the significance of his knee injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted that the team was “worried” about Aiyuk’s injury following the game.
San Francisco’s concerns were confirmed the following day, as an MRI revealed that Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee against the Chiefs.
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.
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.
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 Outlook for Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Others
Aiyuk won’t return this season and, therefore, is a non-factor for your fantasy football team in 2024. Following his season-ending injury, there are three wide receivers to keep an eye on for the 49ers in fantasy leagues.
Deebo Samuel Sr. has battled several injuries this season, but he remains one of San Francisco’s top weapons. If Samuel can remain on the field, he should receive plenty of touches as the 49ers continue to push through several injuries on offense.
Before Aiyuk’s injury, Jauan Jennings, who has been a pleasant surprise this season, led the 49ers in several receiving categories. Moving forward, Purdy will lean on him even more following the loss of Aiyuk.
While many fantasy football managers will likely be focused on acquiring Samuel, Jennings could provide the most value if he’s available for trade due to his hip injury.
The return of first-round pick wide receiver Ricky Pearsall couldn’t have come at a better time. Pearsall’s role should continue to expand moving forward, and he certainly is worth stashing on fantasy rosters.