San Francisco 49ers' General Manager does not anticipate Brandon Aiyuk to be fit and ready for the inaugural week of the 2022 NFL season.
San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk Targets Week 6 Return
The San Francisco 49ers are eagerly awaiting the return of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is recovering from a serious right knee injury sustained last season. Aiyuk tore both the ACL and MCL ligaments in a Week 7 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Coach Kyle Shanahan has announced that Aiyuk is on track to return around Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season, which equates to mid-October. While this timeline is an estimate, the 49ers remain optimistic about a full recovery.
Aiyuk's recovery has been a lengthy process, requiring a significant rehab period. He was placed on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list prior to training camp and continues his rehab efforts.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his return, Aiyuk's progress has been commendable. San Francisco general manager John Lynch has praised Aiyuk's rehab efforts, stating that he is doing a good job in his recovery.
Last season, Aiyuk managed 25 receptions for 374 yards and no touchdowns over seven games before his injury. However, in the 2022 season, he had a career-high 78 receptions for 1,015 yards and a career-best eight touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Aiyuk will not be ready for the 49ers' season-opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 7. If he remains on the PUP list at the start of the season, he will be required to miss at least the first four games.
Meanwhile, the 49ers have bolstered their cornerback position with the addition of veteran Eli Apple, who was signed less than a week ago. Apple, who was released by the San Francisco 49ers earlier this year, returns to the team to provide experience and depth in the secondary.
In the interim, the 49ers will rely on their other receivers, including rookie Jordan James, who was a fifth-round pick in April's draft. James impressed during his college career at Oregon, rushing for 2,215 yards and 31 touchdowns in three seasons. However, he is currently sidelined with a broken finger and is expected to miss a couple of weeks.
As the 49ers prepare for the upcoming season, the focus remains on Aiyuk's recovery and his anticipated return in Week 6. The team is hopeful that he will be able to make a full recovery and contribute to their offensive efforts in the latter part of the season.
- Coach Kyle Shanahan's announcement states that Brandon Aiyuk is estimated to return around Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season, which falls in mid-October.
- San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk tore both the ACL and MCL ligaments in a Week 7 game against the Kansas City Chiefs last season, keeping him out for the entire 2024 season.
- Despite the uncertainty surrounding his return, Brandon Aiyuk's progress has been commendable, with the 49ers GM John Lynch praising his rehab efforts.
- Despite the short-term losses due to the injuries of Aiyuk and rookie Jordan James, the 49ers still have hope for their offensive efforts, anticipating Aiyuk's return in Week 6.
