Prior to the start of the 2024 NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk agreed on a four-year, $120 million extension to keep the star wide receiver in the Bay Area. The 2020 first-rounder had arguably his best season as a pro in 2023, totaling 1,342 receiving yards, seven touchdowns, and nearly 18 yards per reception while helping the 49ers advance to the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, his 2024 season has been one to forget. Let’s examine what happened to Aiyuk, how long he’ll be sidelined, and who’s stepping up in his absence.
Why Is Brandon Aiyuk Sidelined?
In Week 7, the 49ers lost their Super Bowl rematch at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. Even worse, they lost Aiyuk to a serious injury.
In the second quarter, Aiyuk was sandwiched between defenders after a reception, with his leg bending awkwardly.
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.
Right away, it was clear that the gruesome injury was serious and likely season-ending. Unfortunately, this was confirmed the following day when an MRI revealed that Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee.
How Long Will Aiyuk Be Out?
Placing Aiyuk on season-ending injured reserve was an obvious move for the team following the injury diagnosis. What’s far less certain is the timeline for the receiver’s return.
Given that he tore multiple ligaments 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 be necessary before Aiyuk integrates back into the offense.
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.
Who’s Stepping Up in Aiyuk’s Absence?
With Aiyuk injured, Jauan Jennings has stepped into the 49ers’ WR2 role and thrived. He is having a career year, with 57 receptions for 774 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games.
This season, there are only three NFL receivers who have spent at least 30% of their time in the slot and average 2.1 PPR points per target with at least 75 targets:
- Ja’Marr Chase
- Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Jauan Jennings
Of course, San Francisco still has Deebo Samuel Sr. and George Kittle as well.
Kittle has been fantastic, leading San Francisco in receiving yards (800) and receiving touchdowns (eight). Samuel has been a disappointment, catching 64 passes for 553 yards and one touchdown while rushing for just 92 yards and one score.
The Niners certainly miss Aiyuk, but Jennings and Kittle deserve credit for making the most of their increased opportunities this season.
Injuries have killed San Francisco’s season, as they are currently 6-7, and PFN’s Playoff Predictor gives them a 15.1% chance of making the playoffs.