Aiyuk 'Not Close' to Return, 49ers Hit by Injuries

The San Francisco 49ers are 3-0 but are being hampered by injuries to key players. GM John Lynch said wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is “not close” to returning from the torn ACL he suffered last season and has additional knee damage beyond the ACL, and the team says a previously suggested Week 6 return now appears increasingly unlikely. Aiyuk, 27, signed a four-year, $120 million extension before the 2024 season and had 25 catches for 374 yards before the injury. Other absences include Nick Bosa (season-ending ACL) and tight end George Kittle, who is on injured reserve; quarterback Brock Purdy is dealing with toe and shoulder issues. San Francisco has stayed afloat thanks to an elite defense, Christian McCaffrey’s production and increased contributions from younger receivers like Ricky Pearsall as it prepares for Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.