It is hard to find a team with worse injury luck than the San Francisco 49ers. Every season, it seems like they are losing players at a rapid rate. In the season’s first three weeks, they lost tight end George Kittle, quarterback Brock Purdy, and defensive end Nick Bosa.
The first two will return this season while Bosa is out for the year. Brandon Aiyuk started the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, and here’s the latest update on him.
Brandon Aiyuk Injury Update
The PUP list designates that a player must miss the season’s first four weeks, which means Aiyuk is eligible to be activated off the list after this upcoming game. He continues to rehab from his ACL surgery, however, there is no timeline yet on when he will be back.
On Thursday, Sept. 25, 49ers general manager John Lynch provided an update on Aiyuk. “No setbacks,” Lynch said. “There’s different levels with the ACL, Brandon had a significant injury. He’s a really gifted athlete and a really hard worker. There’s no absolutes on these things, he’s gotta continue to hit markers.”
“We’ll be a better team when Brandon’s out there,” the 49ers GM continued. “So we look forward to that day, but it’s not close. When we have some more info on that we’ll be forthright with it.”
Aiyuk is still not healthy, but he will play at some point this season. He would be a welcome addition to their wide receiver room, which is lacking depth. Jauan Jennings missed last week’s game with an ankle injury, and they had to rely on Ricky Pearsall for most of their downfield targets.
Aiyuk is an elite deep threat and should immediately help the 49ers’ downfield passing game upon his return. The last time we saw the 49ers healthy was in 2023, when he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. His 17.9 yards per reception ranked second in the league.
49ers Hoping To Get Key Players Back Soon
Even with all the injuries, the 49ers are 3-0, and two of those wins came with Mac Jones at quarterback. Purdy remains questionable to return for their Week 4 game, but the team has shown they can find ways to win while shorthanded.
MORE: Brock Purdy Injury Update: What’s the Latest on the 49ers QB, and Will He Play in Week 4?
Kittle was placed on IR after the Week 1 contest. He can return after four weeks, which is in Week 6. He is a vital part of their offense, not only for their passing attack but also due to his ability to block. Everything runs smoother for San Francisco when Kittle is on the field, and it needs him as soon as possible.
All signs point to the 49ers being contenders this season, but that will rely on getting their stars back and remaining healthy the rest of the season, which has been an issue in San Francisco for many seasons.
