NFL Doctor Confirms Real Brandon Aiyuk Return Date After 49ers Insider’s Bold Prediction

Brandon Aiyuk was taken out of the season. Drafted 25th overall in 2020, he’s become one of the 49ers’ most reliable players. But in Week 7 of the 2024 season against the Chiefs, that momentum came to a halt. He twisted his right knee. Tests confirmed a torn ACL and MCL. And now, it’s been months of quiet rehab and speculation—when No. 11 will be back in full force. Because when Aiyuk’s out, the entire offense feels it.

The absence has been obvious. But recently, there’s been buzz that Aiyuk might be further along than expected. NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco recently shared that “I hear he’s doing well. I hear that the knee is even ahead of schedule.” He went on to add, “From what I understand, he’s doing well. Also, from what I understand, it’s not out of the question that he could be ready Week 1.” It all sounds promising—until you ask someone who studies injuries.

The phrase “ahead of schedule” sounds great. Fans hear that and think—he’s coming back early, no doubt. But now, a doctor’s finally stepped in, and he’s not exactly buying the hype. Deepak Chona, a data-driven injury analyst, put it bluntly on Twitter: “Brandon Aiyuk – Reportedly ‘ahead of schedule’. Data suggests this phrase does not predict faster return. Still leaning towards starting season on PUP. Avg return = 11 months (~Oct). WRs typically see a 4-6 game ramp up in routes run + targets.” Things might look good, but science says step on the brakes.

 

And if you’re wondering what that absence looks like on the field, just look at last season’s collapse. In 2024, they lost 7 of their final 10 games after he left, averaging just 18.6 completions and 357.4 total yards per game. Both are down from earlier-season averages. Brock Purdy’s production also slipped during that stretch. His touchdown total dropped to 20 after back-to-back seasons with 31, and his completion percentage fell by nearly four points. Without Aiyuk’s elite separation and route timing, the passing game lost rhythm, and the entire offense felt it.

Looking ahead to the season, the 49ers kick off on September 7, 2025, against their longtime rivals, the Seahawks. Seattle’s been retooling, adding Cooper Kupp and shifting to Sam Darnold at QB. They’re a solid team, which means 2025 isn’t an easy starter for San Francisco. Without Aiyuk, San Francisco might have to find other ways to move the game, and Seattle’s revamped defense may force them into a one-dimensional game. That could make Week 1 a real test for an offense still finding its footing.

Brandon Aiyuk’s recovery status forces the 49ers to rethink

While the offense searches for answers, the front office has its own. Brandon Aiyuk’s status with the 49ers has felt uncertain all offseason, and with Jauan Jennings rising fast, things might finally be shifting for real. Jennings, once seen as Aiyuk’s backup, has turned his Super Bowl showing into serious momentum heading into 2025. He’s now entering his sixth year and showing no signs of slowing down. With Shanahan reportedly looking to bring him back and Aiyuk still recovering, this might be the moment that quietly marks the end of one era.

The front office has tough decisions to make, and one of the biggest is right in the receiver’s room. Jauan Jennings has given the Niners five seasons of dependable play for just $10.5 million total. In 2025, he’ll earn just over $4 million on the final value deal. While he just missed hitting 1,000 yards last season, many think he would’ve cleared it if not for a late-season ejection. Either way, his price compared to his output is turning heads.

Jennings posted numbers that stood strong against some of the league’s best. While he didn’t match the totals of Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, or CeeDee Lamb, he still outperformed DJ Moore’s 966 yards and nearly matched DK Metcalf’s 992. More than that, he’s delivered when the spotlight hit—especially in the Super Bowl. With Aiyuk still rehabbing and a massive contract cap looming shortly, Jennings may just be the safer long-term bet.