Brandon Aiyuk isn't expected to be ready when the San Francisco 49ers kick off the 2025 season. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, a mid-season return seems more realistic, though the 49ers haven't ruled out the possibility of an earlier comeback.
Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL in October and has been steadily working his way back after undergoing surgery to repair the extensive damage in his knee. The team remains encouraged by his progress.
"He went down there to Dr. Neal ElAttrache last week," general manager John Lynch said on Monday. "I'm not going to get into timelines and all that, but he did very well. We're pleased with Brandon's progress. He has been working hard and has gotten good reviews from Dr. ElAttrache."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan echoed that sentiment on Tuesday, declining to speculate on a return date.
"I don't know. I mean, it's too early to tell," Shanahan said. "I mean, the goal is always early. You hope to have it right away, but we're told that by his doctor and everything, there's a chance, but it's too early in the process."
Aiyuk has been the subject of trade speculation since signing a lucrative contract extension ahead of last season. However, with his roster bonus due on Tuesday, he will likely remain with the 49ers in 2025.
Before his injury, Aiyuk struggled, catching just 25 passes for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games. Now, coming off a major knee injury, he could face limitations when he eventually returns.
As for a potential timeline, Shanahan kept it simple, saying, "We'll see as we get closer to training camp what that looks like."
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.
Comments
Do not use the comments to notify us of errors in the article. Editors may not see it. Instead, report errors here.
More San Francisco 49ers News
49ers' Brandon Aiyuk got married over the weekend
By David Bonilla
Apr 14
Brandon Aiyuk is officially off the market. No, we're not talking about the trade market. While the San Francisco 49ers made it clear they expect the star wide receiver to remain on the roster in 2025—holding onto him past an April 1 deadline that triggered a massive...
ESPN 7-round mock draft: 49ers bolster trenches early, add QB and kicker late
By David Bonilla
Apr 21
With the 2025 NFL Draft just days away, ESPN analyst Jordan Reid has released a full seven-round mock draft, projecting all 257 selections. While the San Francisco 49ers have numerous directions they could go, many expect the team to prioritize the trenches with their first of...
Brugler's 7-round mock draft: 49ers reinforce trenches, find Dre Greenlaw replacement early
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
NFL analyst Dane Brugler released his latest seven-round mock draft for The Athletic on Wednesday, addressing several of the San Francisco 49ers' key needs with the team's 11 picks, starting at No. 11 overall.
Coming off a disappointing 6-11 season and facing multiple...
Former 49ers star linebacker set to announce Day 2 draft picks
By David Bonilla
Apr 17
The NFL announced in a statement that several iconic former players—along with some active ones—will announce selections for all 32 teams during Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Among them is a name familiar to many San Francisco 49ers...