San Francisco 49ers brass are on the same page when it comes to expectations for Brandon Aiyuk to play this season: Hopefully, but don’t expect it to happen.
Both general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan were asked on KNBR Radio if they expected the receiver to return this season. Each answer was not exactly promising.
“Realistic? I’m not sure,” Lynch said via the 49ers Web Zone. “Hopefully? Yeah. So I think that’s where I’d leave it. He continues to rehab and hopefully, like I’ve always said, we’re a better football team when Brandon’s out there, and I hope that’s the case.”
“But I think that’s probably what it is — is hope right now. And I wish it was a little bit more than that.”
Shanahan said, “Oh, I’m definitely still hopeful. I’m not counting on it, but I’m definitely still hoping it can happen.”
Aiyuk is still recovering from the knee injury he suffered last season. With four games remaining in Week 14, San Francisco has yet to open its practice window.
Word of Aiyuk’s voided guaranteed money, which happened in July, leaked 11 days ago and was confirmed by Shanahan, raising questions about the reality of the receiver, who signed a four-year, $120 million extension in 2024, returning this season.
Before the news broke, the Niners didn’t seem so pessimistic about Aiyuk’s chances of playing in 2025. Lynch was asked if the report added any strain to an already sore relationship.
“I don’t necessarily know that the reporting was the turning point, but I think the whole time it wasn’t great,” Lynch admitted. “And so, you do your best to correct those things, and then everybody has to be professional and act that way. And that’s how we treat all of our players. And we have a great relationship with our players. We’ve had a great relationship with Brandon and we look forward to continuing that.”
Voiding the guarantees is a proactive move to part ways in the offseason. Given how both Shanahan and Lynch are approaching the position, it doesn’t sound like Aiyuk will play second down in a Niners jersey.