Brandon Aiyuk

49ers Place WR Brandon Aiyuk On Reserve/Left Squad List

December 13th, 2025 at 10:37pm CST by Ely Allen

If there were any chance at reconciliation between the 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk before today, it’s likely gone now. Today, San Francisco placed the former first-round pick on the reserve/left squad list, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. As a result, he will be ineligible to play for the remainder of the season, making an offseason departure all the more likely.

Aiyuk hasn’t played since tearing his right ACL, MCL, and meniscus in Week 7 of 2024. The injury came a couple of months after he signed a four-year, $120MM extension with the 49ers. The relationship between the two sides has fallen apart since then.

Aiyuk didn’t attend offseason appointments to rehab his knee in the offseason, leading the 49ers to void his 2026 guarantees last July. And while Aiyuk had a 50-day window to file a grievance through the NFLPA, he didn’t take any action during that span. He lost out on over $26MM as a result.

Still recovering from last year’s injury, Aiyuk spent the season on the reserve/PUP list before today. Earlier this month, general manager John Lynch expressed hope that the team would open Aiyuk’s practice window at some point soon. Doing so would have given the playoff-contending 49ers 21 days to evaluate Aiyuk. That will not happen, though, and this will go down as a lost season for Aiyuk.

The placement on reserve/left squad list is a unique one, usually reserved for players who plan to retire or quit on their team. In addition to all of the money Aiyuk has already lost throughout this season-long saga, Jason Fitzgerald of Overthecap.com claims that the 49ers may be allowed to go after Aiyuk’s signing and option bonus money in the wake of how things have now played out.

There was already plenty of speculation that Aiyuk’s time in the Bay Area was coming to an end, but this all but confirms it. Whether through offseason trade or an outright release, it’s just hard to picture Aiyuk playing in red and gold again.

In addition to the transaction that effectively ended Aiyuk’s tenure in San Francisco, the 49ers also announced that linebacker Jalen Graham and defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez would serve as standard gameday practice squad elevations for tomorrow’s game. This will be Graham’s third and final elevation of the season. If the team wants to see him play in another game this year, they’ll need to sign him to the 53-man roster.

Connor Byrne contributed to this post.

Commanders To Pursue WR Brandon Aiyuk In Offseason?

December 13th, 2025 at 11:22am CST by Connor Byrne

Earlier this month, 49ers general manager John Lynch expressed hope that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk would come off the reserve/PUP list to play sometime this season. Almost two weeks later, optimism on that front “seems to have run out,” Dianna Russini of The Athletic writes.

Aiyuk hasn’t played in a game since he tore his right ACL, MCL, and meniscus in Week 7 of 2024. He suffered the injury a couple of months after landing a four-year, $120MM extension.

After Aiyuk failed to attend offseason appointments to rehab his knee, the 49ers made the eye-opening move to void his 2026 guarantees last summer. Barring an unforeseen turnaround in their relationship, the two sides are likely headed for a divorce in the offseason.

The 49ers could attempt to find a trade partner for Aiyuk, but with his stock way down, it may be difficult. Whether the 49ers trade or release Aiyuk before June 1, they’d be left with $29.85MM in dead money. Parting with him after June 1 would allow San Francisco to spread the dead cap over two years. Aiyuk would count $13.25MM against the team’s cap in that scenario.

As for where Aiyuk might play next, Washington is a team to monitor. The belief is that Aiyuk would like to reunite with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, Dan Graziano of ESPN reports. The two formed an excellent combination at Arizona State in 2019. Aiyuk caught 65 passes for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns en route to First-Team All-Pac-12 honors that year. The 49ers drafted him 25th overall during the ensuing spring.

Not only is Aiyuk familiar with Daniels, but it’s worth noting Commanders general manager Adam Peters was a key figure in the 49ers’ front office during the first four years of the wideout’s career. Peters is likely to hunt for offensive weapons in the wake of a disappointing season for the Commanders, which could lead to interest in Aiyuk. After advancing all the way to the NFC championship game last season, the injury-plagued Commanders will miss the playoffs this year. At 3-10, they’re on pace to draft in the top 10 next spring.

Terry McLaurin will return as Washington’s No. 1 receiver next year. However, Deebo Samuel (a former Aiyuk teammate in San Francisco) and Noah Brown are scheduled to reach free agency. Tight end Zach Ertz, one of the team’s leading receivers this year, is also unsigned beyond this season. The 35-year-old tore his ACL last week, further clouding his future.

Even if the Commanders bring any of their soon-to-be free agent pass catchers back, outside additions are likely. Daniels should be in position to rebound in 2026 if he stays healthy, which he hasn’t done this year, and has more talent surrounding him. Partnering with Aiyuk again could lead to a bounce-back campaign for both players, which would boost the Commanders’ chances of returning to playoff contention after a forgettable 2025.

49ers GM John Lynch ‘Hopeful’ Brandon Aiyuk Will Play In 2025

December 2nd, 2025 at 2:24pm CST by Connor Byrne

After months of drama surrounding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk‘s future, the 49ers handed him a four-year, $120MM extension in August 2024. Considering how Aiyuk’s career has gone since then, it’s a move the 49ers would likely undo if given the chance.

After Aiyuk got off to a slow start last year, his season ended with a torn right ACL, MCL, and meniscus in Week 7. Aiyuk hasn’t played since, and his relationship with the team has soured during his lengthy absence. The 49ers voided Aiyuk’s guarantees for 2026 back in July, which came after he declined to attend offseason appointments to rehab his knee. Aiyuk had a 50-day window to file a grievance through the NFLPA to attempt to recoup his $26MM-plus in guarantees, but he opted against doing that.

Approximately 14 months since Aiyuk suffered his injury, he still hasn’t been physically cleared to return. Aiyuk is rehabbing, though, general manager John Lynch told KNBR on Tuesday (via Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group).

When asked about the potential of Aiyuk playing in 2025, Lynch said: “Realistic, I’m not sure. Hopeful, yeah.”

The 49ers have seen seven different targets catch between 20 and 85 passes during their 9-4 start. Quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Mac Jones haven’t lacked options, but Lynch maintains that the 49ers are “a better team” when Aiyuk is healthy.

While Aiyuk remains on the reserve/PUP list, the 49ers could open his 21-day practice window at some point. Doing so would give the NFC West contenders a chance to evaluate whether Aiyuk will be able to help them late in the regular season and/or in the playoffs.

Currently on a bye, the 49ers will not open Aiyuk’s window this week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Despite Lynch’s statements, odds are the team will not bring him back this season, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN. If that’s the case, Aiyuk has probably played his last down with the 49ers, who seem primed to either release or trade him during the offseason.

Moving on from Aiyuk before June 1 would leave San Francisco with $29.585MM in dead money, Dan Graziano of ESPN notes. Alternatively, designating Aiyuk as a post-June 1 release would give the 49ers the opportunity to spread the dead cap over two years. They’d be on the hook for $13.25MM in 2026. The same goes for a post-June 1 trade, though it seems more likely that the soon-to-be 28-year-old will hit the open market and find his next team in free agency.

Brandon Aiyuk Trade Viewed As Possible; Latest On 49ers’ WR Outlook

November 27th, 2025 at 10:21pm CST by Adam La Rose

Before the start of the current season, the 49ers voided a 2026 option bonus for Brandon Aiyuk. That has fueled speculation a parting of ways will take place after the current campaign.

Further details have emerged regarding the team’s decision to void Aiyuk’s guarantees. As ESPN’s Fowler writes, the sixth-year receiver declined to attend appointments for his knee rehab during the offseason. That is believed to be among the reasons San Francisco proceeded with voiding Aiyuk’s guarantees, a move he chose not to contest by means of an NFLPA grievance.

Aiyuk’s 2024 campaign ended when he suffered ACL, MCL and meniscus tears. He has yet to play since, despite a number of updates before and during this season pointing to him being cleared at some point. There is still optimism the 27-year-old will be cleared, although that would in turn lead to an interesting question of whether or not Aiyuk would be willing to play given where things stand at this point.

Fowler adds that some teams around the league see an Aiyuk trade as being possible, especially with his contract being easier to move in the absence of guaranteed compensation for next season. The former first-rounder’s deal still runs through 2028, however, so a release allowing him to choose his next destination is still a more realistic outcome. That would leave Aiyuk in the same situation as Christian Wilkins, after the Raiders voided his guarantees and moved forward with a release.

Aiyuk topped 1,000 yards for the first time in 2022. The following season, he set a career high in yards (1,342) and yards per catch (17.9), helping lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl along the way. The process of working out an extension was far from smooth, to say the least, and even with a long-term deal in hand Aiyuk’s future is once again a talking point.

Elsewhere at the receiver position, Matt Barrows of the Athletic writes (subscription required) the 49ers are likelier to retain Kendrick Bourne this offseason than Jauan Jennings. The latter was in the team’s long-term plans as of September, but as a pending free agent he could depart on the open market this spring. Jennings landed a two-year pact in 2024, the season in which he comfortably posted career-best numbers. Things have not been the same in 2025 for the former seventh-rounder.

Bourne’s second San Francisco stint has seen him make seven starts with the team dealing with several injuries. He has posted 482 scoreless yards while serving as an experienced secondary option in the passing game. Retaining Bourne, 30, will likely come at a lesser cost than re-signing Jennings once more. Of course, Aiyuk will play a large role in determining how the team operates at the WR spot once his situation becomes clearer.

49ers Voided WR Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 Guarantees In July

November 23rd, 2025 at 3:13pm CST by Adam La Rose

NOVEMBER 23: Shanahan said (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle) he and Aiyuk spoke early in training camp after the decision was made to alter the contract. He described those talks as “positive,” but things have clearly soured since then. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports, meanwhile, that Aiyuk is still considered close to being medically cleared for a return (video link). Whether or not he plays this season will remain something to monitor.

NOVEMBER 22: A Friday report pointed to a split between Brandon Aiyuk being likely for the 2026 offseason. The main reason pointing in that direction is the fact Aiyuk’s 2026 guarantees have been voided in a move he has not challenged through the NFLPA.

When speaking to the media for the first time since Friday’s report, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Aiyuk’s future guarantees have indeed been voided. Notably, though, he clarified that move was made by the team in July. Shanahan did not specify why the contract adjustment took place.

“I’ve been coaching over 20 years and I’ve never been in a situation where a contract’s been voided,” he said, via Sam Jane, Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur of The Athletic (subscription required). “It takes a lot of things to get a contract voided. Never dealt with that. It was unusual, but it’s stuff I can’t get into right now.”

During the outset of training camp, Shanahan admitted he was “frustrated” with Aiyuk’s situation as it pertained to his knee rehab. ACL, MCL and meniscus tears ended the former first-rounder’s 2024 season after seven games. Aiyuk has not played since, despite a number of updates to his status suggesting a return would take place sometime in 2025. Shanahan added the 27-year-old is still considered week-to-week at this point, although it is unclear how much progress he has made in recovery.

Today’s Athletic piece on the situation notes how Aiyuk was a “mainstay” at practices during training camp and into September. Things changed afterwards, however, with Shanahan confirming the Arizona State product has missed meetings and other team activities recently. He added Aiyuk’s absences in meetings is not related to his contract but also reiterated the team’s frustration with an overall lack of communication in this case.

Tension between Aiyuk and Shanahan dates back several years, and it appeared at multiple points in 2024 as though a trade would end their time together in San Francisco. With a Steelers swap having been agreed to (and something Aiyuk was prepared to proceed with), a four-year, $120MM 49ers deal was instead ultimately worked out. That seemed to put an end to speculation about a parting of ways, but with no guaranteed money owed after the current season ends the team will be able to proceed with a release with relative ease.

The 49ers traded away Deebo Samuel this past offseason in a move which came as little surprise. That seemed to pave the way for Aiyuk and 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall to operate as the team’s top receivers for years to come, but an Aiyuk release would leave San Francisco in need of another notable WR commitment this spring. Without him in the fold, the team ranks second in the league in passing offense so far this season.

A return to the lineup for the 7-4 49ers at any point would be welcomed given the impact Aiyuk – who topped 1,000 yards in 2022 and ’23, totaling 15 touchdowns in that span – could make on the field. It is clear no certainty exists on that front, however, and the team has obviously been preparing for a split since the summer. This will remain a key San Francisco storyline for the foreseeable future while a potential release approaches.

49ers Preparing To Cut WR Brandon Aiyuk?

November 21st, 2025 at 10:16pm CST by Ely Allen

Two years ago, the 49ers were riding high in a season that saw them reach the Super Bowl while four of their skills position players eclipsed 1,000 yards of offense — running back Christian McCaffrey eclipsed 2,000. Today’s 49ers are still in the thick of the hunt for the playoffs, and it’s a wonder they are, considering one of the abovementioned players is no longer on the team and another could soon follow.

According to Dianna Russini and Michael Silver of The Athletic, the 49ers appear to be preparing to part ways with veteran wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The telltale sign informing this report was the team’s decision to void the guaranteed money on Aiyuk’s contract for 2026, based on some of the receiver’s recent behavior.

Just before the start of the 2024 NFL season, the 49ers put an end to a lengthy, contentious contract negotiation, signing Aiyuk to a four-year, $120MM extension. Aiyuk had staged a hold in for 38 days after refusing to play on his fifth-year option and demanding a new contract. He even requested a trade and was linked to several teams throughout the hold in. Hold ins like that have been made popular in recent years as the 49ers have seen similar negotiations go sour before an eventual resolve late in the summer.

After putting their strife aside, a disappointing start to Aiyuk’s 2024 campaign went from bad to worse when he suffered a torn ACL seven weeks into the season. Aiyuk once again drew trade interest in the offseason, but it was Deebo Samuel who got shipped out to DC. When an Aiyuk-trade didn’t end up taking place by April, the focus shifted to a midseason return for the 27-year-old. As the start of the season and a placement on the reserve/physically unable to perform list drew nearer and nearer, Week 6 was disclosed as the target return date.

A little over a month ago, that target was pushed out to November, but his 21-day practice window remained unopened. Per Russini and Silver, there were things behind the scenes that contributed to the lack of clarity on a return plan, and some of those things contributed to a situation that now seems to be on the verge of divorce.

Reports out of the Bay Area claim that Aiyuk has been frequently absent in recent months, failing to attend meetings and declining to participate in other team activities. Additionally, the team has “grown increasingly frustrated with (Aiyuk’s) lack of communication.” The wideout is reportedly a ghost in the building, working out early in the morning and departing before teammates arrive. The report claims that numerous members of the team — both staff and players — have unsuccessfully reached out, attempting to reel Aiyuk back in.

This lack of communication and attendance led the 49ers to drastic measures. In response, San Francisco voided the 2026 guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s contract, “asserting that the absences amounted to a failure to fulfill his contractual obligations.” When approached by the NFL Players Association and asked if he wanted to push back with an official grievance, Aiyuk expressed that he had no interest. With no guarantees for next year, it’s expected the 49ers would release Aiyuk from his contract at the end of the season, making him a free agent.

According to Russini and Silver, there are still some in the building who are “holding out hope that the relationship can be salvaged” and that he might still make his debut this season, but reconciliation seems an unlikely result at this point. Now, those teams that were connected to Aiyuk after his trade request — the Steelers, Browns, and Patriots, who all could use a big upgrade at the position — will likely be watching this situation closely, hoping for Aiyuk’s eventual release.

Mac Jones To Start Week 10; Latest On Other 49ers Injuries

November 7th, 2025 at 7:53pm CST by Ely Allen

Every week, there seems to be something injury-related coming out of the Bay Area. Whether it’s somebody preparing to miss a lot of time, a “will he” or “won’t he” gametime decision, or questions on timetables for return, the 49ers have provided headlines all season. The latest such headline pertains to the middle option as a questionable Brock Purdy will watch Mac Jones start for the sixth week in a row, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

It’s become a weekly post with Purdy, who has been on the team’s injury report every week since he was hurt in the season opener. The 25-year-old has been getting closer and closer to coming back, and head coach Kyle Shanahan communicated that he could still be active as a backup to Jones. Third-string passer Adrian Martinez was signed from the practice squad to the active roster back in October as Purdy was nearing a return back then, so with three quarterbacks on the 53-man, Purdy could either be a primary backup or an emergency third option.

The quarterback role we do know, though, will be Jones, who will start under center for the eighth time this year. After winning his first three starts as an injury replacement, Jones has cooled off, alternating losses and wins since then. Despite a largely injured supporting cast around him, Jones is averaging a career-high 261.7 passing yards per game while also sporting the best touchdown:interception ratio (10:5) of his career. He’ll be looking to buck the trend of alternating finishes after beating the Giants last week.

One player we know won’t be out there is wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. The second-year pass-catcher has been missing since Week 4 and is about to miss his sixth game in a row. Asked about what’s holding Pearsall from being able to play, Shanahan told the media that “he hasn’t been able to hit his normal speeds that would allow him to come back,” per Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. Reporters noted the young wideout had been sighted doing sprints at practices and shooting jump shots in the locker room, but Shanahan was adamant that the team is waiting for Pearsall to be able to hit his old marks.

Pearsall isn’t the only receiver unavailable this week. Veteran wideout Brandon Aiyuk remains on the reserve/PUP list ten weeks into the season. November was offered up last month as a potential return window for the 27-year-old receiver. It’s now been over a year since Aiyuk has appeared in a game, and each week, expectations for Aiyuk’s 21-day practice window to be opened go unrealized. Shanahan continues to seem vaguely optimistic, with Vic Tafur of The Athletic quoting him as “pretty confident” that Aiyuk will be back sometime this season.

Given the extended absences of players like Purdy and Pearsall, among some others, there have been questions on why players missing so much time weren’t put on injured reserve. According to The Athletic’s Matt Barrows, the primary reason is simply that they didn’t expect each player to be out for so long. Additionally, while the NFL has implemented the current system wherein teams can bring players back from IR, each team is only given eight such activations.

Lucky teams can put players with minor injuries on IR and activate them four weeks later just to manipulate roster numbers. With so many injuries week in and week out, the 49ers likely would’ve loved to place guys on IR so they could add healthy reinforcements to the roster. Knowing how many impact players they had already placed on IR, though, San Francisco needed to be weary of how it would be able to utilize its limited activations.

One player that did land on IR recently was edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos. Gross-Matos had been out since Week 5 and was expected to make a return soon. Unfortunately, the 27-year-old defender strained his hamstring again near the end of last week, per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. While it will take Gross-Matos some time to work his way back from the injury, Shanahan doesn’t believe he will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk Will Not Practice This Week; Ben Bartch’s Practice Window To Open

October 28th, 2025 at 9:48am CST by Adam La Rose

Injuries to key players remain an issue at many positions for the 49ers. Preparation for Week 9 will bring about a mixed bag of updates on that front.

Brandon Aiyuk continues to rehab the ACL and MCL tears which ended his 2024 campaign. While progress is being made in his recovery, San Francisco’s top wideout will not take part in practice this week. That decision will further delay the point at which Aiyuk’s 21-day activation window will be opened.

“I think it’s week-to-week from here on out that he has got a chance,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said of Aiyuk (via Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Area). “It would’ve surprised me if it was this week, but that was just me saying that every week I think he’s getting closer to having a chance. Just not this week.”

Shanahan recently opened the door to Aiyuk suiting up for practice this week, but that will not take place. A return in November is instead still the goal in this case. Provided the 27-year-old can return to full strength relatively soon, his presence will be welcomed on a 49ers offense which has dealt with injuries under center and at the skill positions all season. Along the offensive line, meanwhile, a notable return is imminent.

The 49ers will designate left guard Ben Bartch for return this week, as noted by The Athletic’s Matt Barrows. Bartch has been on injured reserve since mid-September due to a high ankle sprain. Beginning tomorrow, though, his practice window will open. That will leave the 49ers with three weeks to activate Bartch.

The former fourth-rounder has started just four of his appearances with the 49ers, but that total will likely increase once Bartch is activated. He opened the season as San Francisco’s starter at the LG spot vacated by Aaron Banks‘ free agent departure. Provided that remains the case moving forward, Bartch will be counted on to provide stability along the interior of the offensive line. As a pending free agent, his play upon being activated will be key in determining not only the 49ers’ success up front but also his earning potential on the open market next spring.

The 49ers have used two of their eight IR activations for the season so far. Bringing Bartch back into the fold will lower that figure, with the same being true when fellow O-linemen Spencer Burford is activated (which should take place in the near future). Aiyuk resides on the reserve/PUP list, so his return will not count toward the IR activation count; when it will take place nevertheless remains something to monitor closely for the 49ers.

49ers Rumors: DE Trade, Warner, Aiyuk, Bosa

October 26th, 2025 at 11:37am CST by Rory Parks

Despite another barrage of injuries to marquee players, the 49ers are 5-2 and in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC West. Following the season-ending ACL tear that standout pass rusher Nick Bosa sustained in Week 3, GM John Lynch said the club would look to the trade market for reinforcements on the edge (comments he seemed to walk back to an extent in the wake of the potentially season-ending ankle injury that star linebacker Fred Warner suffered in Week 6).

Now, offseason trade acquisition Bryce Huff – whose role had increased with Bosa on the sidelines – is set to miss some time due to a hamstring ailment. Notwithstanding the remarks he made after the Warner injury, Lynch is surely doing his due diligence on EDGE players who might be available via trade, and he conceded he will pull the trigger if the right opportunity presents itself. That has not happened yet, but it could.

When asked about the possibility of adding a defensive end, Lynch told KNBR radio, “[w]e don’t have to … But we have plenty in this building … We’ll hold down the fort until [Huff’s hamstring is healed]. If it can help our team we won’t hesitate to do it. But nothing has presented itself that aligns completely to this point” (via Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News).

The trade deadline is a little more than a week away, and talks around the league will surely heat up as November 4 draws nearer. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that teams with pass rushers to deal are (understandably) seeking significant compensation in return for their premium-position talent. Prospective buyers, meanwhile, are hoping the price will come down in the upcoming days, leading Fowler to believe the EDGE market could be a late-forming one.

As Lynch continues to survey that market, he could soon get some much-needed good news on the injury front. After a disappointing September update on wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s ACL and MCL tears – which he suffered in Week 7 of the 2024 campaign – recent reports suggested the club was targeting a November return for the 2020 first-rounder. It still seems that is the case, as head coach Kyle Shanahan recently told reporters (including ESPN’s Nick Wagoner) that Aiyuk could begin practicing as early as this week. Whenever San Francisco opens Aiyuk’s practice window, it will have up to 21 days to activate him. Failing that, he will revert to season-ending injured reserve.

Surgeons whom Matt Barrows of The Athletic consulted said Warner could be healthy enough to return for the playoffs should the Niners qualify, and Lynch confirmed as much. Per Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, the GM did not rule out the possibility of a postseason return for Warner.

Bosa, on the other hand, is definitely done for the rest of the regular season and any potential postseason contests. Wagoner reported at the end of September that Bosa’s surgery on his torn ACL went well, and Barrows said the Niners could see up to $9MM in cap savings as a result of the insurance policy they took out on Bosa’s mega-deal.

49ers’ George Kittle Has Chance At Week 7 Return; November Reemergence Targeted For Brandon Aiyuk

October 14th, 2025 at 2:51pm CST by Sam Robinson

Once again battered by injuries, the 49ers have still managed to reach 4-2 despite a spree of setbacks for the second straight season. Pro Bowlers Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Nick Bosa have missed time, and the Fred Warner loss deals a blow the team has not previously encountered.

On the team amid the 2020 and 2024 injury waves, Warner has missed one career game. The All-Pro linebacker has crafted a Hall of Fame-caliber resume during the 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan-era surge, but he will undergo surgery Wednesday and joins Bosa in being out for the season. The 49ers are eyeing trades on defense, but their offense is starting to look healthier (even if Jauan Jennings is playing through a significant rib injury).

While Purdy’s status remains murky, Kittle is nearing a return. Shanahan does expect (via 49ers reporter Briana Jeannel) the All-Pro tight end will be designated for return from IR ahead of the Falcons matchup. This would allow the 49ers a ramp-up period, but Shanahan added (via NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco) the hope is Kittle returns for Week 7.

Although the 49ers’ injury trouble is again mounting, they are not in bad shape yet in terms of IR activations. The team has either seen key players suffer season-ending injuries (Bosa, Warner) or remain on the active roster in week-to-week setups (Purdy, Jennings, Ricky Pearsall). The 49ers did place starting guard Ben Bartch on IR, and he is eligible for activation this week. It is uncertain if Bartch will join Kittle in being designated for return.

Kittle went down with a hamstring injury in Week 1. The likely Hall of Fame-bound pass catcher suited up for 15 games last season and did not miss any time due to injury in 2023. Playing in at least 14 games in 2021 and ’22, Kittle has not missed this much time in a season since being part of the 49ers’ spate of maladies in 2020. He missed eight games that season, suffering a sprained knee and fractured foot during San Francisco’s 6-10 season.

With Pearsall on the active roster, the 49ers are moving closer to full strength after seeing both their top two receivers go down early this season. San Francisco’s true No. 1 receiver, however, remains on the reserve/PUP list. Brandon Aiyuk‘s timetable has been pushed back a bit. Week 6 was floated months ago as a loose return window, but that has come and gone. Shanahan has now mentioned Week 10 as an updated window (via Maiocco) but stopped short of providing a firm timetable.

Out since October 20, 2024 with an ACL tear, Aiyuk has been in rehab mode after the tear was not deemed clean. Joining Kittle in suffering an injury shortly after an offseason extension, Aiyuk has been unable to build on the second-team All-Pro season he produced in 2023. John Lynch said in late September the sixth-year veteran was “not close” returning, but Shanahan’s update does provide a semi-positive sign a reemergence near the midseason point is still in play.

Like the IR-return process, the 49ers would have a 21-day period to observe Aiyuk in practice before activating him. Given the length of Aiyuk’s rehab process, it would surprise if he suited up the week he was designated for return. It should be expected, based on this timeline, Aiyuk would be in the PUP-return window soon. But the 49ers will continue to make do with a ravaged receiver depth chart for the time being. Though, Kittle’s return will help the passing attack considerably while Aiyuk hits the recovery homestretch.

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