The San Francisco 49ers are undefeated through two weeks, but their roster is anything but intact. As the team prepares for a Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains sidelined, still recovering from a torn ACL and MCL suffered midway through the 2024 season.
When is Brandon Aiyuk Expected Back With the San Francisco 49ers?
Aiyuk, placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list before training camp, is ineligible to return until at least Week 5. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has not provided a definite timetable, but hinted that a midseason return remains the most realistic scenario.
“I always see [them returning] around Week 6, which means that could be Week 10, it means it could be Week 5,” Shanahan said last month. “But that’s the area where I start thinking about it.”
The 49ers have managed to stay afloat offensively despite Aiyuk’s absence, but the injury list is growing. Starting quarterback Brock Purdy is battling turf toe and a shoulder issue, and could miss his second consecutive game on Sunday.
Tight end George Kittle is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, while fullback Kyle Juszczyk and wide receiver Jauan Jennings are dealing with injuries sustained in last week’s win over the New Orleans Saints.
Aiyuk’s absence has forced the 49ers to lean on Jennings, Ricky Pearsall Jr., and running back Christian McCaffrey in the passing game. Jennings, who caught a 42-yard touchdown in Week 2, is now nursing an ankle injury and will be evaluated throughout the week.
Despite these setbacks, San Francisco’s offense has remained productive, thanks in part to a strong ground game and timely contributions from depth players. However, Aiyuk’s return would offer a much-needed spark to a unit operating without several stars.
Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension last offseason and was expected to be the focal point of the passing attack. Reports indicate that his recovery is progressing well, and General Manager John Lynch expressed optimism about Aiyuk’s long-term outlook back in May.
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“Brandon’s tracking in a good way with his knee, and you’ve just got to kind of let that play out,” Lynch said. “We’re not going to put him out there until he’s ready, but we’re excited with our receiver group and where we’re at.”
If the 49ers can suvive the next few weeks and maintain their early-season momentum, Aiyuk’s eventual return could serve as a turning point. Based on the latest information, expect that to occur sometime between Weeks 5 and 10.
