Brandon Aiyuk is officially out for the season. The wide receiver was placed on the Reserve/left squad list by the San Francisco 49ers, effectively ending his year. He did not play for the 49ers in 2025 after suffering a serious knee injury the previous season.
The situation between Aiyuk and the franchise has grown increasingly tense. Communication reportedly broke down in late November, with a separation after 2025 viewed as likely. With Aiyuk now out for the season, his exit seems only a matter of time.
Kyle Shanahan Says the 49ers Haven’t Seen Brandon Aiyuk In Over A Month
The 49ers defeated the Tennessee Titans 37-24, improving to a 10-4 record and keeping pace in the NFC West race. After the game, reporters at the press conference also wanted to hear from Shanahan about Aiyuk, as the receiver had been officially ruled out for the year.
Shanahan downplayed the issue, especially since news of a breakdown in communications had already been reported in November. But he made a telling comment: he had not seen Aiyuk in over a month, and the team had remained unaffected by his absence.
#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on WR Brandon Aiyuk being placed on the reserve/left squad list:
“We haven’t seen him in forever. It’s been pretty simple for me … I haven’t seen him in a month.”
(📽️ @49ers) pic.twitter.com/eoPbsxu9YU
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 15, 2025
News of a problem between the team and the player emerged from The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini, who stated that the 49ers were unhappy with how Aiyuk managed his recovery and were heading for a departure.
The split between the two sides is surprising. In August 2024, the receiver signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the team after a tumultuous offseason, which included a trade request and Aiyuk missing most of training camp due to ongoing contract discussions. When the deal was signed, it looked like the relationship could have been mended.
But problems remained. Aiyuk was out of shape in 2024 due to missing almost all offseason workouts, and in seven games, he had just 374 yards and zero touchdowns. A serious knee injury occurred midway through the season, and he faced a lengthy recovery.
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Now, all signs point to a release and an acrimonious divorce of a relationship that started well. Aiyuk will have many suitors in his future free agency, while the 49ers will be thankful they won’t have to deal with him anymore.
