49ers May Open Aiyuk Practice Window Next Week

Brandon Aiyuk, who tore his ACL and MCL in Week 7 of the 2024 season and has missed 17 games while on the PUP list, is reportedly making measurable progress in rehab and hitting key checkpoints. 49ers GM John Lynch said there’s “hope” and “evidence” Aiyuk could return this season, though coach Kyle Shanahan described the situation as “week to week.” The team is hoping to open Aiyuk’s 21-day practice window next week, potentially around Oct. 29, which would give the club three weeks to activate him to the 53-man roster or end his season. If the window is opened, a return between Weeks 9–12 becomes plausible, but the franchise has not yet formally cleared him to practice and would likely manage his snap counts carefully. Aiyuk’s return would bolster a depleted wide receiver room on the 5-2 49ers, but reporters urge caution until he is medically cleared.