Brandon Aiyuk's spot on Pro Football Focus' list of highest-graded rookies remains secure despite not having played this weekend. The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver still sits at No. 3 through Week 11, behind only wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings and offensive lineman Michael Onwenu of the New England Patriots.
"The Niners' first-round rookie was far from productive in his first five games in the NFL, generating just 0.94 yards per route run to pair with a 68.7 receiving grade," wrote Anthony Treash. "He's been red-hot as of late, though, raising his yards per route run figure to 2.63 and earning a receiving grade of 87.3 over the last three games, the third-best grade at the position over that span."
Over his past three games, Aiyuk has caught 21 passes for 281 yards and two scores, including a 115-yard Week 7 performance against the New England Patriots.
"Since Week 8, the Arizona State product has torched single coverage when given the opportunity," Treash continued, "catching 10-of-12 such targets for 125 yards and two touchdowns. And of those 12 targets, Aiyuk created a step or more of separation on 10 of them."
The 49ers look to go on a run during the final six games of the season and make a push for a playoff spot. Aiyuk, however, is one of nine 49ers players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, landing there last Friday. In the coming days, we'll find out if he is cleared soon enough to prepare for this weekend's game against the Los Angeles Rams.
"In Week 12, Aiyuk will go up against a Los Angeles Rams coverage unit that ranks second in expected points added (EPA) per pass allowed," Treash added. "He and the Niners have already gone up against L.A. once this year, and that just so happened to be Aiyuk's lowest-graded game of the season."
Aiyuk has 35 receptions for 446 yards with three touchdowns while adding five carries for 61 yards and two more scores through eight games this season.