The San Francisco 49ers were without Brandon Aiyuk during the 2024 training camp. Finally, the contract impasse was solved in late August and the star receiver returned to the team.
Several weeks later, though, Aiyuk was injured in a game, and now the 49ers are dealing with another extended absence as the star receiver works his way back from a serious injury.
Here’s the latest on Aiyuk’s injury and prognosis to return.
What Is Brandon Aiyuk’s Injury?
San Francisco lost a Week 7 showdown at home to the Kansas City Chiefs. In the process, they lost Aiyuk.
In the second quarter of the game, Aiyuk was sandwiched between defenders after a reception. After the play, he remained down on the field as medical staff treated him. He was helped to the sideline and eventually carted to San Francisco’s locker room.
The injury appeared serious in real time, and speculation only grew after replays showed the compromised position of Aiyuk’s leg during the collision with defenders. Then, in the third quarter, the 49ers ruled Aiyuk out for the game.
Following the game, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted the team was concerned about the injury being serious.
San Francisco’s concerns were confirmed the following day when an MRI revealed that Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee.
When Will Brandon Aiyuk Return From Injury?
Placing Aiyuk on season-ending injured reserve was a certain move for San Francisco following the diagnosis of Aiyuk’s injury. What’s far less certain is the timeline for the receiver’s return.
Given the severity of the damage — multiple ligaments — and the fact that the injury happened nearly halfway into the season, there’s no guarantee Aiyuk will be ready to go for the start of the 2025 season. Missing the 2025 offseason program is a near certainty, so a ramping-up process during training camp or even the early stages of the regular season will proceed before Aiyuk integrates back into the offense.
Fortunately for Aiyuk, he secured a long-term extension before suffering the season-ending knee injury. This means his place on the team and prominence in the offensive plan is likely secured until he’s able to return to full strength.
How Will Brandon Aiyuk’s Absence Impact the 49ers?
Aiyuk was having a down season before injuring his knee. In seven games, the 26-year-old posted 25 catches for 374 yards (147 of which came in one game) and zero touchdowns. Last season, Aiyuk hauled in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
Tight end George Kittle has led the way among San Francisco pass catchers, hauling in 49 receptions on 59 targets for 642 yards and eight touchdowns. Receiver Jauan Jennings leads the club in targets with 65 and has 47 receptions and four touchdowns to show for it.
Aiyuk’s injury aside, the 2024 season has been one filled with adversity from both an injury and performance standpoint.
Star running back Christian McCaffrey missed the first eight games of the season recovering from Achilles tendinitis, and starting quarterback Brock Purdy was unable to play in Week 11 at Green Bay. The 49ers’ defense is also missing multiple regular contributors.
Even with the injury problems, San Francisco has hung tough. They rank fourth in offensive yards per game (384.5) and 13th in offensive points per game (22.4). Purdy is 11th in the NFL with 2,613 passing yards and has authored a passer rating of 95.9.
The 49ers are 5-6 and in last place entering Week 13.