Brandon Aiyuk’s status with the San Francisco 49ers remains unclear as he approaches a potential return from injury. During a segment on NFL Network’s “NFL Gameday,” insiders including Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo discussed Aiyuk’s future, revealing that while he has not yet been cleared to play, there is optimism about his recovery.
Aiyuk’s journey has been tumultuous, marked by his initial struggles in 2021, a rise to prominence in 2023, and recent setbacks in 2025. The 49ers recently voided $27 million in guaranteed salary for the wide receiver for the upcoming season, which has fueled speculation about his future with the franchise. Despite this significant financial decision, Garafolo indicated that the relationship between Aiyuk and the 49ers is not necessarily heading toward a split.
Kyle Shanahan, the head coach of the 49ers, addressed the media on Saturday, stating that Aiyuk remains “week to week” in his recovery from an ACL injury. Shanahan expressed hope that Aiyuk would soon clear the necessary medical tests to return to practice. “We’re kind of looking to see when that clearance is coming and when he’s going to go back to practice,” Shanahan noted.
While there is optimism regarding Aiyuk’s return this season, the voiding of his contract guarantees raises questions. Aiyuk reportedly did not contest the decision, hinting that he may be open to a change of scenery. Garafolo emphasized that just because the guarantees for next season were voided, it does not imply an inevitable separation.
“The belief is Aiyuk is close to being cleared in his return from that ACL injury, but he hasn’t got it yet,” Garafolo stated. He added that if Aiyuk performs well upon his return, there is a possibility he could remain with the team beyond this season.
Shanahan characterized the situation as unprecedented, noting, “I’ve been coaching over 20 years, and I’ve never been in a situation where a contract has been voided.” He expressed disappointment over Aiyuk’s current status, acknowledging the player’s contributions and popularity within the team.
As the 2025 season progresses, the likelihood of Aiyuk returning to the field remains uncertain. While the odds of him playing again this season are slim, there remains a faint hope that the situation can be resolved favorably. With the NFL season underway, both Aiyuk and the 49ers face a critical juncture in their relationship, and the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining his future in Santa Clara.
