Brandon

Aiyuk

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that Aiyuk had torn both his “ACL and MCL, per sources after the MRI. There may be other damage.” The injury’s multi-ligament nature likely extends his rehabilitation process beyond that of an isolated ACL tear. Hopefully, the ligaments can be reconstructed without issue and Aiyuk can return to form quickly in 2025.

It’s likely to be a torn ACL, as Kyle Shanahan said on Sunday, but there might be more damage after further testing. Aiyuk ends the season with a 25/374 line following a lengthy contract-related holdout that he’s surely glad he staged now. Jauan Jennings will be a hot fantasy waiver pickup this week.

Aiyuk will surely undergo an MRI to confirm or disconfirm the report. His lower leg brutally shifted inward after Aiyuk was hit laterally by a Chiefs defender. He totaled 25 receptions and 374 yards on 44 targets this season.

Aiyuk took a frightening hit to his left knee on a reception just before halftime. He hobbled to the blue medical tent before being carted to the locker room. It would be something of a surprise if Aiyuk, who has 23 catches for 351 scoreless yards on the season, doesn’t miss significant time. His absence would make Jauan Jennings an interesting fantasy option when he returns from his hip injury.

Aiyuk took a major hit to his left leg on a tackle near the end of the first half. Surprisingly, he was able to walk to the blue medical tent, where 49ers trainers evaluated him. It would be surprising it Aiyuk were able to return to the ballgame. The Niners are already without Deebo Samuel (illness).

Coming off by far his best game of the year, Aiyuk posted a season low for looks as Brock Purdy attempted a modest 28 passes. George Kittle led the team with six targets, though five players commanded at least four. It’s maddening that Aiyuk continues to see such inconsistent usage, but we know he can’t keep finishing below 50 yards forever. He will be needed for much more in Week 7 against the Chiefs, though that’s a tough matchup for any wideout.

After totaling just 167 yards in his first four games of the season, Aiyuk erupted for 147 yards on a team-high 12 targets in Sunday’s loss. Aiyuk made several big plays in this one, as three of his receptions went for 20-plus yards on the day. Aiyuk and the 49ers saw their offense stall in the second half — literally. The Cardinals’ defense kept them out of the end zone and off the board, limiting them to just 141 total yards in the second half. Aiyuk was back to his old ways and will be a high-end WR1 in Thursday night’s tilt with the Seahawks, who have struggled mightily against the pass.

Aiyuk flashed some of his 2023 mojo with a beautiful diving snag in the second half. Patriots S Jabrill Peppers stole a poorly-aimed, 23-yard end zone pass intended for Aiyuk late in the game. Aiyuk’s buy-low window remains intact for now. He should be started as a WR2 against the Cardinals in Week 5.

Aiyuk’s 48 receiving yards are, unfortunately, his highest single-game sum through three weeks. He was soundly out-played by Jauan Jennings and let his temper flare briefly following a questionably late hit at the end of regulation. Aiyuk is a volatile WR2 against the Patriots in Week 4.

Aiyuk took a backseat to George Kittle and Deebo Samuel on a day that saw Brock Purdy drop back 52 times — far more than normal for the 49ers offense. Aiyuk’s season has gotten off to a rough start. He has just six grabs for 71 yards through two games. He’ll look to get back on track in Week 3 against a weak Rams secondary.