General manager John Lynch provided an encouraging update on star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk during an interview on KNBR’s “Murph & Markus” Thursday.
“Oh yeah, there’s hope he plays,” Lynch said. “More importantly than hope, there’s evidence he’s making really good progress. He has been putting in the time and I think it’s coming near as to when he’s going to be out there.”
Aiyuk, 27, has not played since Week 7 of the 2024 season after sustaining a serious knee injury in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
### How Has Brandon Aiyuk’s Injury Impacted the 49ers?
The 49ers boast the NFL’s top-ranked passing offense, averaging 271.3 yards per game, but they could use another veteran downfield threat like Aiyuk.
In his last full season in 2023, Aiyuk was a second-team All-Pro, recording 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
This offseason, Deebo Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders, and Ricky Pearsall has been sidelined since Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a knee injury.
Currently, running back Christian McCaffrey leads the team in receiving, with 516 yards on 53 catches.
Aiyuk began the 2024 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list while recovering from ACL and MCL injuries. Once the 49ers open his practice window, they will have 21 days to activate him; otherwise, he will be placed on season-ending injured reserve (IR).
### When Will Brandon Aiyuk Return?
The 49ers are one of three teams tied atop the NFC West with a 5-2 record heading into Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans (1 p.m. ET).
While Aiyuk almost certainly won’t be available for this upcoming game—he has yet to return to practice—Lynch expressed confidence that he will return at some point this season.
The exact timing remains uncertain, as the 49ers have been relatively tight-lipped about Aiyuk’s recovery progress. Fans will be closely monitoring updates as the season continues.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/brandon-aiyuk-positive-update/
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