49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk won’t return this season
As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for the final stretch run of the regular season, it will be without wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk as the team placed him on the injured reserve.
This designation eliminates any chance that he can return to play this season as he struggles to work his way back in his recovery from a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee.
Beyond that, the writing has been on the wall all season long as there has been a strong disconnect between Aiyuk and the 49ers. It’s led to growing speculation that his time in San Francisco will come to an end next offseason.
Star tight end George Kittle hinted at that possibility during his media availability on Thursday.
“At this point, it doesn’t seem like he’s coming back,” Kittle said via ESPN. “I try my best to not even think about it because I love Brandon. He’s one of my favorite teammates I’ve played with. We have a lot of moments together from his rookie year, every year we’ve played together. That’s the Brandon I remember. So, if I think about the ‘I wish he’d be here,’ it kind of just makes me sad.”
It’s been nothing short of an uphill battle for Aiyuk after inking his four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers in August 2024. He suffered his serious knee injury a few months later in October and has been working his way back to the field.
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The injuries have led the 49ers to void his $27 million in guarantees for the 2026 season, likely paving the way to an imminent split.
