Aiyuk OUT! 49ers WR's Injury Shakes Up Season Opener Plans!
San Francisco 49ers fans received tough news this week as wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been placed on the reserve/PUP list. This move means Aiyuk will be sidelined for at least the first four games of the season. The official announcement came as the 49ers finalized their 53-man roster, confirming earlier speculations about Aiyuk's delayed return.
Aiyuk's Injury Timeline
Aiyuk is still recovering from the ACL and MCL tears he sustained in Week 7 of last season. While initially placed on the active/PUP list, the shift to reserve/PUP means he technically *could* return as early as Week 5 against the Rams, but Week 6 against the Buccaneers remains the more realistic target, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
"We're eyeing Week 6 as a possible return date for Aiyuk," Shanahan stated earlier this month. The team is taking a cautious approach to ensure Aiyuk's full recovery before he returns to the field.
Impact on the 49ers' Offense
Aiyuk's absence creates a significant void in the 49ers' receiving corps, especially after trading Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders. With Aiyuk out, the pressure is on players like Jauan Jennings (recovering from a calf injury) and Ricky Pearsall to step up. Pearsall is likely to start as WR1 in Week 1.
Last season, Aiyuk recorded 25 catches for 374 yards in seven games. Before his injury, he had two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, highlighting his importance to the team's offensive success. Over his five seasons with the 49ers, Aiyuk has amassed 294 catches for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Roster Moves and Other Cuts
The 49ers also made several other notable roster cuts, including wide receivers Terique Owens (son of Hall of Famer Terrell Owens), Isaiah Hodgins, and Robbie Chosen. While Owens showed promise with a touchdown in the final preseason game, he was ultimately placed on waivers. The team's wide receiver situation remains somewhat fluid as they navigate Aiyuk's absence and injuries to other players.
With Brock Purdy entering the season with a new big-money contract, getting Aiyuk back on the field will be crucial for the 49ers' offensive firepower. However, the team must remain patient and prioritize Aiyuk's long-term health.