It’s been nearly 300 days since San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk last played a down of football.
The 49ers desperately need the star wideout, who tore his ACL and MCL in a Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, back in the lineup after trading Pro Bowl WR Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders during the offseason.
The rest of San Francisco’s receiver corps is also banged up with Jauan Jennings battling a calf injury, Jacob Cowing a hamstring injury, and Equanimeous St. Brown placed on season-ending injured reserve with a foot injury.
While Aiyuk seems to be on track with his recovery, head coach Kyle Shanahan updates reporters on Monday as to when they can expect to see the All-Pro WR back in the team’s lineup.
“49ers HC Kyle Shanahan estimated today to reporters that WR Brandon Aiyuk — who is recovering from a significant knee injury — could be back for Week 6,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
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Aiyuk had just 25 catches on 47 targets for 374 yards last season (he had only one game with more than five receptions and 100 or more yards), and he was on track for just 60 receptions and 908 yards had he not gotten injured — a steep decrease from his previous two breakout years when he averaged 76 catches, 1,178 yards, and 7.5 touchdowns.
Aiyuk is one of many 49ers offensive skill position players including Jennings, Cowing, St. Brown, plus running backs Isaac Guerendo, Ameer Abdullah and Jordan James, and fullback Kyle Juszczyk, to find himself on the team’ injured list during camp.
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With Aiyuk out, 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall will likely step into his role at San Francisco’s WR1, but another receiver to keep an eye on is Russell Gage, who’s been a standout during training camp and caught Shanahan’s eye.
“He’s definitely given himself a chance; I think Russ had a really good offseason,” Shanahan said, via 49ers on SI. “We got him last year to put on our practice squad, and you could see him throughout the whole year working to get his legs back and to get back in receiver shape and be able to handle the cuts after his injuries.
“I think the way he finished last year was really positive. He put the work in this offseason and I think he’s back to being a really good NFL player now and fighting to make this team.”
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