Brandon Aiyuk’s Mysterious Week 1 Status: PUP List Start or Surprise Return?

49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is expected to start the season on reserve/physically unable to perform as he continues his recovery from knee surgery. That would sideline Aiyuk at least the first four games.

Brandon Aiyuk’s journey back to the gridiron is shaping up to be a cautious and calculated one. The 49ers’ dynamic wideout is slated to begin the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list as he navigates the slow road of recovery from his knee surgery. We’re looking at at least a four-game absence, a tough pill to swallow for both Aiyuk and the fans who were hoping to see him on the field sooner. But here’s the kicker—the team hasn’t entirely closed the door on a potential season opener return, which adds a layer of intrigue to the whole recovery saga. With the clock ticking to training camp, the Niners are clearly opting for prudence over rush, mindful of the serious ACL and MCL injuries he suffered last October. Kyle Shanahan’s stance is firm, already confirming Aiyuk’s starting camp status on active/PUP, so it’s all about baby steps from here…. Aiyuk’s last season stats were modest—25 receptions, 374 yards, and no touchdowns across seven games—but with the right rehab, who’s to say this can’t be just the calm before a storm? For those craving a deeper dive into the details and future projections, here’s where you can get the full scoop: LEARN MORE.Aiyuk played seven games last season and made 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns, all career lows.Coach Kyle Shanahan already said Aiyuk will start training camp on active/PUP. The 49ers, though, have not ruled out the former first-round draft pick from playing the season opener, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.“Even though the timeline, everything being equal, might point toward, Hey, there’s a chance Week 1 — and there still might be a chance Week 1 — I think the feeling inside the organization has always been don’t take any chances, start him off on PUP when they report to training camp on July 22, and then more than likely, just have that carry over into the regular season,” Maiocco said, via David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com.Maiocco added that the 49ers likely will play it safe with Aiyuk after he tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee Oct. 20.