The 49ers still believe Brandon Aiyuk can be a viable contributor this season.
General manager John Lynch provided an encouraging update on the star wide receiver during an interview on KNBRâs âMurph & Markusâ Thursday.
âOh yeah, thereâs hope he plays,â Lynch said. âMore importantly than hope, thereâs evidence heâs making really good progress. He has been putting in the time and I think itâs coming near as to when heâs going to be out there.â
Aiyuk, 27, has not played since Week 7 of the 2024 season after sustaining a serious knee injury in a loss to the Chiefs.
How Has Brandon Aiyuk’s Injury Impacted the 49ers?
The 49ers boast the NFLâs top-ranked passing offense (271.3 yards per game) but could use another veteran downfield threat like Aiyuk, who was a second-team All-Pro during his last full season in 2023 when he had 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
Deebo Samuel was traded to the Commanders this offseason, and Ricky Pearsall has been sidelined since Week 4 against the Jaguars due to a knee injury. Running back Christian McCaffrey is the teamâs leading receiver with 516 yards on 53 catches.
Aiyuk began the season on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list while recovering from ACL and MCL injuries. When the 49ers open Aiyukâs practice window, they will have 21 days to activate him. Otherwise, heâll be placed on season-ending IR.
When Will Brandon Aiyuk Return?
The 49ers are one of three teams tied atop the NFC West at 5-2 heading into Sundayâs game at the Texans (1 p.m. ET).
Aiyuk almost certainly wonât be available as heâs yet to return to practice, but Lynch seems confident heâll be back at some point this season. Itâs just hard to say exactly when because the 49ers have been relatively tight-lipped about Aiyukâs recovery.
San Francisco is again expected to also be without Pearsall, who has missed practice all week with a lingering PCL issue in his knee. Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne will be slated for big workloads if Pearsall is indeed out again.
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