San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2025 season and is expected to begin on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Still, the star pass catcher is showing signs of determination as he works his way back.
Aiyuk is recovering from ACL and MCL injuries sustained in October 2024, which cut his season short. Before Saturday's preseason matchup between the 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders, Aiyuk took the field during warmups, catching passes and testing out routes as he continues his rehabilitation.
Brandon Aiyuk, a sight #49ers fans can't wait to see. 🎥 by 💁🏼?♀? pic.twitter.com/9Fl82diMSM
— Tracy Sandler (@TracyFGSN) August 16, 2025
After the game, quarterback Brock Purdy praised Aiyuk's mindset and progress as he works hard to return to the football field.
"I think B.A.'s mindset has been awesome," Purdy told reporters. "On the sideline, at practice, in the locker room, just talking on the sidelines during the preseason games, you could tell he wants to be out there. And we're talking about routes and different concepts and things.
"And just overall, you could tell—obviously, he looks great, physically, progressing in the right way with his knee—but more than anything, you can tell he wants to get back out there and compete, which I love."
Aiyuk was Purdy's favorite target in 2023, leading the team with 1,342 receiving yards and topping the 1,000-yard mark for a second straight season. While the 49ers are taking a cautious approach with his return, there's optimism that he could provide a huge boost to the receiving corps once cleared.
"The history that we've had on the field together has been awesome," Purdy added. "So, obviously, when you've got our starting X eager to get back, that's awesome. But we're going to take it one day at a time, and whenever he's able to get back out there and stuff, we'll be ready to roll."