The San Francisco 49ers’ injury troubles didn’t start in 2025. The team is still waiting for the return of its top receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, who hasn’t practiced since suffering a severe knee injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Fans are beginning to wonder whether Aiyuk will return at all this year, and the latest comments from Kyle Shanahan haven’t provided much clarity. Here’s what we know about the receiver’s situation and why his recovery has turned out to be more complicated than initially expected.
Why Hasn’t Brandon Aiyuk Returned to Practice Yet?
Aiyuk’s injury was a major blow to the 49ers’ 2024 season, and its effects are still felt in the team’s plans today. The receiver was coming off the best year of his career when he entered a tense offseason, holding out for a new contract that was finally signed just before the start of the season.
After a slow start, Aiyuk seemed to be finding his rhythm when he suffered a severe knee injury that sidelined him for the rest of the year. The problem was more serious than initially thought, explaining his extended recovery period.
General manager John Lynch revealed in a recent interview that Aiyuk suffered a “triple ligament” knee injury, known as O’Donoghue’s triad. He tore his ACL and MCL, along with another ligament that wasn’t specified, possibly the PCL or LCL, both requiring a slow and cautious rehab process.
Players usually return within a year from such injuries, especially with modern recovery protocols and top-tier medical support. But Aiyuk’s case appears to be different, and his return could extend beyond the typical 12-month timeline.
Shanahan announced Monday that Aiyuk’s practice window will remain closed for at least another week, suggesting that a return to the field is still weeks away. While a comeback this season is possible, Shanahan hasn’t ruled out the idea of Aiyuk being limited to practice sessions only.
Even without their top receiver, the 49ers are doing decent this season. With a 6-4 overall, they rank ninth in PFSN’s Offense Impact with an impact score of 81.5.
“I’m pretty confident that he is going to (play) eventually,” Shanahan told reporters Tuesday, November 6. “At least open up his practice window. We talk about it being week to week right now, so still waiting until he is ready.”
Speculation has grown in the media that the 49ers may be taking a conservative approach to avoid triggering an injury clause in Aiyuk’s contract, with the possibility of moving the receiver in the offseason. His return would be a massive boost for a team that has been hit hard by injuries across the roster.
