Brandon Aiyuk Injury Update: 49ers Insider Drops Encouraging News About the All-Pro WR’s Status

Brandon Aiyuk was supposed to be sidelined until at least October. The San Francisco 49ers’ star receiver tore both his ACL and MCL in Week 7, the kind of devastating injury that typically keeps players out for months. But now, with training camp approaching, whispers are getting louder about something nobody expected: Aiyuk might be ready for Week 1.

Can Brandon Aiyuk Return for Week 1 After His Knee Injury?

Brandon Aiyuk has been a vital part of the San Francisco 49ers’ passing attack since being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Following a career year in 2023, Aiyuk received a massive four-year extension worth $120 million as the 49ers made it clear he was their No. 1 receiver.

However, Aiyuk couldn’t find his rhythm at the start of the 2024 season, and his campaign ended abruptly in Week 7 with season-ending injuries. The 27-year-old was widely expected to miss the start of the upcoming season, but a recent insider report suggests there’s a chance he might be ready to start in Week 1.

During Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, Aiyuk hurt his right knee while absorbing contact, twisting awkwardly as he descended. Tests later confirmed he tore both his ACL and MCL. That injury requires surgery and a long, careful rehab to regain confidence and explosiveness.

The 49ers’ general manager, John Lynch, has been optimistic throughout the offseason that Aiyuk can return ahead of his recovery timeline. Now, even more encouraging signs are emerging. NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco recently confirmed that Aiyuk was ahead of the recovery timeline and has a chance to start in Week 1.

“I hear he’s doing really well,” Maiocco said Thursday. “I hear that the knee is even ahead of schedule.”

“From what I understand, he’s doing really well. Also, from what I understand, it’s not out of the question that he could be ready Week 1.”

#49ers insider Matt Maiocco says that while Brandon Aiyuk is still likely to start on PUP, the possibility of him being ready for Week 1 hasn’t been ruled out. The WR is reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery.

More: https://t.co/CewLf9uLPl

Audio: @KNBR pic.twitter.com/uMrutFF1J6

— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) July 10, 2025

Why Are the 49ers Being So Cautious With Aiyuk’s Return?

However, Maiocco noted that the possibility of Aiyuk starting in Week 1 remains very low due to the 49ers’ conservative approach and their desire not to risk another injury by rushing him back early.

“They want to be extra cautious with him,” Maiocco explained. “Even though the timeline, everything being equal, might point toward, hey, there’s a chance Week 1, and there still might be a chance Week 1, I think the feeling inside the organization has always been don’t take any chances, start him off on PUP when they report to training camp on July 22, and then more than likely, just have that carry over into the regular season.”

Brandon Aiyuk looking ready for the season 😎 pic.twitter.com/GpMkMdgJHV

— Rupesh (@roqqet) July 11, 2025

Aiyuk was always expected to miss the first four to five games, and while that timeline might still hold, his accelerated recovery means he should be explosive right from the start when he does return. With a reformed roster, the 49ers will need a strong bounce-back year from their top wide receiver to rebound from a seven-win campaign in 2024.

Meanwhile, San Francisco’s receiver room is significantly weaker without Aiyuk. During his absence in the first few weeks, one of Demarcus Robinson, Jacob Cowing, or Ricky Pearsall will be expected to step up and catch Brock Purdy’s passes.