The 49ers are rolling even with a depleted roster, but could one of their injured stars be back in the mix for San Francisco’s second-half surge?
General manager John Lynch provided an encouraging update about Brandon Aiyuk’s potential return to action during an interview on KNBR’s “Murph & Markus” on Thursday.
Lynch revealed that the 49ers not only are optimistic Aiyuk will play this season, but that there also are objective markers showing the All-Pro wideout’s continued rehab is progressing in encouraging fashion.
“Oh yeah, there’s hope he plays. More importantly than hope, there’s evidence he’s making really good progress,” Lynch said. “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 has been out since Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season after suffering a brutal knee injury in San Francisco’s 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 49ers’ victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday was the 17th consecutive game Aiyuk has missed while recovering from the injury. Despite San Francisco boasting the NFL’s No. 1 passing offense, Aiyuk’s presence still is missed dearly.
A crisp route runner with an uncanny ability to beat man coverage when matched up with elite corners, Aiyuk adds an element to the 49ers’ offense that few players around the league could match.
In his last full season during the 2023 campaign, Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns en route to earning Second Team All-Pro honors.
While no date for Aiyuk’s return officially has been floated by 49ers brass, the positive update from Lynch is a welcome development for the Faithful.
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