49ers Plan To Open Brandon Aiyuk Practice Window Amid Injury Recovery

The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for the potential return of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who has been sidelined since suffering severe ACL and MCL tears in the 2024 season. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and General Manager John Lynch have indicated that Aiyuk's 21-day practice window could open as early as Week 9 of the 2025 season, which would allow the team to evaluate his readiness without immediately activating him to the 53-man roster. This cautious approach reflects the severity of Aiyuk's injury and the need for full recovery, including the ability to run routes at full speed and handle the physical demands of the position. The 49ers view Aiyuk's progress positively, with Shanahan describing it as "week-to-week" and Lynch noting "some evidence" of his nearing return. While Aiyuk's return would significantly bolster the 49ers' receiving corps, which has been dealing with other injuries, the team remains mindful of the risks and is managing the situation with careful medical oversight. His comeback could provide a valuable boost to San Francisco's playoff aspirations, even if he is not at 100 percent immediately.