The San Francisco 49ers are facing a tough challenge as a series of injuries continue to hit their wide receiver room. Head coach Kyle Shanahan provided an update on Monday about Brandon Aiyuk’s recovery from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, offering a potential return window for the standout receiver.
Aiyuk, currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, could make his return around Week 6, though Shanahan emphasized that timelines are always subject to change with injuries of this severity.
“We’re looking at around Week 6 for Aiyuk, Mustafa, and Rourke,” Shanahan said, referring to Aiyuk and other injured players, including safety Malik Mustapha and quarterback Kurtis Rourke, both recovering from ACL injuries.
While the specific return date is uncertain, the 49ers coach sees Week 6 as a reasonable target but acknowledged that it could vary, potentially as late as Week 10.
Aiyuk’s Progress and Importance to the 49ers
Aiyuk has been around the team throughout training camp, helping younger receivers and working closely with receivers coach Leonard Hankerson.
However, his knee injury, which was sustained in Week 7 of last season against the Kansas City Chiefs, has been more complicated than others, necessitating a long recovery. Aiyuk’s potential return is becoming more crucial as injuries continue to pile up for the 49ers’ receiving corps.
Aiyuk was expected to be a major contributor to the team’s offense in 2025 after a strong previous season. His ability to return sooner rather than later would provide a much-needed boost, especially with the current state of the 49ers’ receiving options.
Other Injuries Affecting the 49ers’ Wide Receiver Depth
Aiyuk is not the only wide receiver battling injury issues. Rookie Jordan Watkins, who had impressed with a 50-yard catch in his preseason debut against the Denver Broncos, is now dealing with a high ankle sprain. Shanahan confirmed on Monday that Watkins will likely miss about a month, further thinning out the team’s receiving depth.
In addition to Watkins, the 49ers were also without Jauan Jennings (calf), Jacob Cowing (hamstring), and Aiyuk during Monday’s practice. These players had been projected to be key contributors, making the absence of multiple wideouts a significant issue for the team.
Veteran receiver Demarcus Robinson is also waiting for word from the NFL regarding a potential suspension after pleading no contest to a DUI charge in early July. While the league is still in the appeals process, Robinson’s status remains uncertain, further complicating the situation for the 49ers.
Salary Cap and Free Agency Considerations
The injuries have left the 49ers with just a handful of healthy wide receivers at practice, including rookie Ricky Pearsall, who remains the only projected top-six receiver available for Week 1. With other options limited, the 49ers may have to consider bringing in another veteran receiver to provide depth.
Shanahan acknowledged the challenge of adding a new player given the team’s salary cap situation, but noted that the 49ers are exploring all options. “There are possibilities later that are guaranteed, but there’s lots of things tied to that, including who’s available, how much they’re available for, and the salary cap,” Shanahan explained.
“We’re looking into everything, but we’re not going to panic and do something that could hurt us later this year or next year.”
With Brandon Aiyuk’s return likely not coming until Week 6, and other wide receivers struggling with injuries, the 49ers are facing a tough road ahead in the early part of the season. The team will need to rely on its depth and consider free-agent options to help stabilize the position.
The hope remains that Aiyuk’s return, coupled with the eventual return of other injured players, will provide the offensive boost San Francisco needs to stay competitive. For now, the 49ers will continue to manage the situation while keeping an eye on the long-term health of their roster.
