Kyle Shanahan Drops Surprise Update: Could Brandon Aiyuk’s Practice Return Shake Up the Season Next Week?

Brandon Aiyuk’s return to the gridiron might be just around the corner — that’s the word straight from Kyle Shanahan this past Friday. The 49ers bench boss hinted at a possible kickoff to Aiyuk’s 21-day practice window as early as next week, and if you’ve been following this story, you know that’s a huge development. The wideout’s been grinding through rehab after tearing his ACL and MCL back in October against the Chiefs, a setback that sidelined him for the bulk of the 2024 season. Shanahan’s cautious optimism, paired with GM John Lynch’s recent praise for Aiyuk’s progress, has fans and fantasy owners alike buzzing. After posting consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in ’22 and ’23, the guy’s been missed — and his comeback could shift the 49ers’ offensive dynamics significantly. Stay tuned, because this story is heating up. LEARN MORE

The 49ers could open wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s 21-day practice window as soon as next week, coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday.

“Yeah, I believe he’s getting a lot closer,” Shanahan said, via David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com. “It could [happen next week]. I think we’re week-to-week now, so hopefully, it will be sooner than later.”

Aiyuk remains on the reserve/physically unable to perform list as he continues to work his way back from ACL and MCL tears in his knee. He was injured Oct. 20, 2024, in a game against the Chiefs.

General Manager John Lynch said this week that Aiyuk was “making really good progress.”

Aiyuk had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023 before playing only seven games last season. He finished 2024 with 25 catches for 374 yards.