Brandon Aiyuk’s Uncertain Return Leaves 49ers in Offensive Limbo
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a precarious position—particularly when it comes to star quarterback Brock Purdy’s receiving options. With Brandon Aiyuk’s status still unclear following a devastating knee injury in 2024, the offense faces serious questions. Though Demarcus Robinson, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings are expected to step up, none possess the game-breaking ability Aiyuk has consistently delivered.
Aiyuk, who tore his ACL and MCL in Week 7 last season against the Kansas City Chiefs, is still on the mend. According to 49ers insider Matt Maiocco, there’s been no official recovery timeline shared by the team. Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, Maiocco suggested that Aiyuk is likely to start training camp on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, which would sideline him through the early part of the season.
Maiocco went further, estimating that Aiyuk could miss at least the first four games. The injury is complex, involving not just the ACL but also the MCL and meniscus, making recovery more challenging. Although Aiyuk is rehabbing at the team facility daily, caution is the current approach.
The Athletic’s Matt Bowen echoed these concerns, noting that while Aiyuk’s return is progressing, there’s a high probability he’ll be placed on the PUP list to start the season. His absence would be a major blow to the offense. In 2023, Aiyuk racked up 75 receptions for 1,342 yards under Purdy, proving to be a vital piece in the quarterback’s success.
Despite the setback, the 49ers are moving forward. Phase 3 of the team’s offseason program is now underway, including voluntary OTA sessions with full-speed drills. These workouts are crucial for integrating new players and refining game plans. The team’s only mandatory minicamp is set for June 10–11, followed by a break before training camp in late July.
While head coach Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy prepare for a potential Super Bowl run, the uncertainty around Aiyuk looms large. His absence early in the season could test the depth and adaptability of the offense. The team is holding out hope, but for now, all signs point to a delayed return for their top receiver—and a big question mark for the 49ers’ 2025 campaign.