The NFL preseason is underway, and the regular season is fast approaching. As fantasy football managers prepare for upcoming drafts, staying up to date on injury news is crucial.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is working his way back from a major knee injury suffered last season. What is his current status and outlook for the start of the season? Should you draft him?
Brandon Aiyuk Injury Update
Aiyuk’s 2025 outlook took a significant hit after he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee back in Week 7 of last season. Following surgery in November, Aiyuk has been going through an intensive rehab program, but as of mid-August, he still hasn’t returned to on-field activity and remains on the 49ers’ physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
49ers GM John Lynch: “I don’t think [Brandon Aiyuk] will be ready for Week 1, but hopefully I’m surprised.” No timetable yet for his return as he remains on PUP after the ACL/MCL tear.
— via @CamInman
With the 49ers scheduled to open against the Seattle Seahawks on September 7, San Francisco General Manager John Lynch’s comments confirm Aiyuk will likely miss at least the first month, and possibly far longer, since starting the year on PUP forces a four-game absence.
Reports from team sources and recent coverage suggest midseason is the earliest realistic target for Aiyuk’s return. Based on the complexity of his rehab and lack of a fixed timeline, there’s even speculation he could miss up to half the regular season.
On August 11, for the first time, we got a real timeline, with head coach Kyle Shanahan pinpointing Week 6 as the goal for Aiyuk’s return.
49ers HC Kyle Shanahan estimated today to reporters that WR Brandon Aiyuk — who is recovering from a significant knee injury — could be back for Week 6.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2025
There will certainly be a ramp-up period for Aiyuk. We cannot expect a full workload right away, nor for him to perform like his pre-injury self until later in the season. Nevertheless, this is an encouraging development.
Brandon Aiyuk Fantasy Outlook
Given Aiyuk’s status, fantasy managers need to tread very carefully. As a general rule, drafting injured players is risky and rarely pays off unless the discount is substantial.
With Aiyuk set to miss at least five games, and possibly a couple more, it’s hard to justify selecting him anywhere near his average draft position. Anyone willing to stash Aiyuk for half the year must ensure their roster is strong enough to handle the loss and only target him near the double-digit rounds. Otherwise, let someone else take on the risk.
Aiyuk’s absence updates the pecking order for the 49ers’ receiving corps. Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall are projected to start Week 1, though Jennings is currently dealing with a calf issue, and his contract negotiations are ongoing.
If Jennings is healthy and signed, he immediately becomes quarterback Brock Purdy’s lead wideout and a major target for the first month. His production last season included 77 catches for 975 yards and six touchdowns, and he now steps into an even larger role.
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Meanwhile, Pearsall, after battling his own injuries, is expected to be Purdy’s secondary wide receiver option. The rookie flashed late in 2024 and finished strong, showing he could be an explosive playmaker and a potential breakout in year two.
Both Jennings and Pearsall should see a bump in volume and fantasy relevance, making them viable WR3/flex picks in leagues where managers can afford to play the matchups. Their draft prices are modest, and each could offer reliable production until Aiyuk returns.
If Jennings’ calf limits his snaps or contract talks stall further, Pearsall becomes even more essential for the San Francisco passing game, possibly absorbing a No. 1 target workload. Fantasy managers should watch preseason reports closely for clarity.
For now, avoid reaching for Aiyuk unless he falls well below his usual valuation, and consider Jennings and Pearsall as strong early-season plays with legitimate upside for the first half of 2025. As the receiver room shuffles, those willing to bet on opportunity have a chance to turn injuries into fantasy wins.
