San Francisco – Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has taken the first formal step toward returning to the San Francisco 49ers. The 28‑year‑old filed the necessary paperwork with the NFL on Wednesday, signaling his intent to rejoin the roster after more than two years on the reserve/left squad list.
Agent confirms filing and upcoming return
Aiyuk’s new representation, veteran sports agent Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed the filing and said the player expects to be back in the 49ers’ facilities on Friday. Rosenhaus added that the former second‑team All‑Pro is eager to get back to work and compete for playing time.
Coach’s measured response
Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged the paperwork but emphasized that the team’s focus remains on the upcoming practice schedule. “I have no expectation,” Shanahan said. “Kind of moved on with that mentally and everything… Nothing’s really changed for me.” He added that any decision about Aiyuk’s roster status – whether a trade, release, or active roster spot – will be made after the player reports.
Background on Aiyuk’s absence
Aiyuk has not played a regular‑season snap since October 2024, when a knee injury forced him onto the reserve/left squad list. The 49ers later voided $27 million of his guaranteed 2026 salary after he missed team meetings and other activities while rehabbing. The receiver originally signed a four‑year, $120 million extension before the 2024 season, following a contract hold‑in that kept him out of training camp.
In his first three seasons, Aiyuk posted 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023, earning second‑team All‑Pro honors. He recorded 25 catches for 374 yards in seven games before his 2024 injury. Overall, he has 294 receptions for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns since being drafted in the first round in 2020.
Team injury update
The 49ers are also dealing with several other injuries. Defensive end Nick Bosa returned to practice after missing five games with a left calf strain, explaining he initially hurt the area while compensating for tendinitis in his right knee. Cornerback Nate Hobbs (groin) and receiver Demarcus Robinson (ankle) remain on injured reserve, with the team having three weeks to decide on activation.
Running back Christian McCaffrey, receiver Mike Evans, receiver Deebo Samuel, and safety Siran Neal are all listed as questionable or out with various ailments. McCaffrey said a brief week off helped his hamstring recovery, and Shanahan hopes to see him back in practice on Thursday in a limited capacity. Evans has shown progress after missing a game before the bye, and Samuel is expected to miss at least one more contest.
What’s next for Aiyuk?
General manager John Lynch has previously expressed doubt that Aiyuk will see significant playing time, but the filing indicates the player and his camp are still pursuing a role with the team. If reinstated, Aiyuk will remain under contract, and his future will likely be evaluated during the upcoming preseason and training camp.
Fans will be watching closely as the 49ers navigate a roster full of injuries and determine how best to integrate Aiyuk back into the offense.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
