As Week 1 approaches, uncertainty surrounds the San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver situation. Both Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings are currently sidelined due to injuries, and neither has a clear return timeline.
Aiyuk is still recovering from the ACL and MCL tears that cut his 2024 season short. His health and readiness for the start of the new season have been major offseason concerns for San Francisco. Although he’s reportedly ahead of schedule in his rehab, he was expected to begin the season on the active/PUP list, which would rule him out for at least the first four games.
Speaking on KNBR radio (via Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News), general manager John Lynch expressed skepticism that Aiyuk would be ready for the season opener. While no definitive timeline has been set, Lynch acknowledged the possibility of a PUP list designation. Aiyuk is entering the second year of a four-year extension worth $30 million annually.
“There are benchmarks he still has to meet. Brandon’s rehab is going really well, but we don’t have a set date. I doubt he’ll be ready for Week 1, though I’d love to be proven wrong,” Lynch said. “This was a major injury, and it’s going to require a major recovery.”
As for Jennings, he remains out with a calf injury and is also amid a contract dispute. While head coach Kyle Shanahan has said Jennings hasn’t formally requested a trade, reports suggest he might pursue one if a contract extension isn’t reached. For now, his rehab continues without a clear return date.
“Jauan’s working with our performance staff to return,” Lynch told 49ers WebZone’s David Bonilla. “He strained his calf in the offseason, and unfortunately, those can linger. He returned to practice briefly but didn’t feel right, so we’ve pulled him back. No timeline yet.”
Jennings stepped up during the 2024 season amid other injuries in the receiver group and was expected to have a major role again after the Deebo Samuel trade. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract, set to earn $4 million in 2025. A strong season would position him well in free agency, unless an extension is reached before then.
In the meantime, rookie first-round pick Ricky Pearsall is expected to take on a significant role in the passing game if he stays healthy. The team also has veterans Demarcus Robinson and newly signed Robbie Chosen available. While Aiyuk and Jennings remain key to the team’s offensive plans, their availability to start the season remains uncertain.
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