The San Francisco 49ers were hoping to get Brandon Aiyuk back soon, but coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed it’s going to take a little bit extra time.
When asked specifically whether Aiyuk’s 21-day return window would open this week, Shanahan said the Niners were not planning to get the wide receiver ready for a return from injured reserve just yet.
Aiyuk, of course, has not played this season while he recovers from shredding his knee in the Niners’ Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs a season ago. He was placed on physically unable to perform list before the year, but Shanahan recently gave him a chance at returning to practice as soon as this week.
The Niners (5-3) will take on the New York Giants (2-6) on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Brandon Aiyuk Is ‘Week to Week’ According To Kyle Shanahan
The Niners will have the opportunity to open Aiyuk’s 21-day window to return to game action, since he missed the requisite eight games. But the threat of opening his return window too soon is if Aiyuk does not recover in time to join the active roster within the three weeks, San Francisco will need to place him on season-ending injured reserve.
Still, even though Shanahan told reporters Aiyuk was making great progress and has been off the playing field for 53 weeks and counting — he sustained a torn ACL and MCL on Oct. 20, 2024 — the veteran coach felt his return this soon would be premature.
“I think it’s week-to-week from here on out that he has got a chance,” Shanahan said on his weekly conference call with 49ers reporters. “It would’ve surprised me if it was this week, but that was just me saying that every week I think he’s getting closer to having a chance. Just not this week.â
General manager John Lynch told reporters last week he was confident Aiyuk would play for the 49ers this season, noting his progress in his recovery.
“More importantly than hope, thereâs evidence heâs making really good progress,” Lynch told “Murph and Markus” show Thursday. “He has been putting in the time and I think itâs coming near as to when heâs going to be out there.â
The Niners Are Dealing With A Bunch Of Injuries To Their Offensive Skill Players
Outside of Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall has also not dressed up since Week 4, and Shanahan addressed Jauan Jennings’ ongoing ability to play despite his litany of injuries, including to his ribs, ankle and shoulder.
“Jauan’s been banged up all year,” Shanahan said.. “I think he’s better now than he was two weeks ago. But by no means is he 100 percent.
“But he’s getting better each week. I don’t think he had a setback yesterdayânone that I’ve heardâbut he’s been battling every week to get out there.”
Shanahan said it was “too early” to determine Pearsall’s status as he tries to return from a knee injury.
Yet, the 49ers also have two banged up quarterbacks, since of course starter Brock Purdy has missed four straight games with a toe injury and backup Mac Jones is day to day with a knee contusion. Shanahan also said it’s too early to determine who will play QB against the Giants.
“I think it’s too early to say,” Shanahan said. “I don’t think it’s a long shot, but I know he’s doing better, and we’ll see how he’s doing Wednesday. Hopefully, if he’s doing good, he’ll get in some reps.”
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