On Wednesday, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about the status of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is working his way back from ACL and MCL injuries suffered in October 2024. The earliest possible return would be Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams, but that timeline appears unlikely with the game falling on a short week of preparation.
A more realistic target could be Week 6—or shortly thereafter. Shanahan kept his comments vague when pressed for an update on Aiyuk's recovery, simply saying, "Yeah, he's progressing. Yup."
That was all he said on the topic.
While most of the attention centered on Brock Purdy's return to practice on Wednesday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic shared video of Aiyuk working on the side as he pushes toward a return to the field.
While taking Brock Purdy video, this up and comer caught my eye … pic.twitter.com/7razXGqpZu
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 17, 2025
Purdy missed Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints with a toe injury sustained in Week 1. Mac Jones started in his place, leading the 49ers to a 26-21 victory and helping improve their record to 2-0.
The 49ers remain optimistic that Aiyuk will return and make an impact in 2025, providing Purdy with another proven playmaker and bolstering the receiving corps as the team aims for a return to the postseason.