Latest Brandon Aiyuk Rumors on 49ers Future, Potential Timeline for Resolution

The Athletic's Dianna Russini is expecting an answer in the near future as to whether Brandon Aiyuk will play another game for the San Francisco 49ers.

Aiyuk has not played since suffering a season-ending knee injury in October 2024. He was placed on the physically unable to perform list in July, at which point the 49ers voided his guaranteed money for 2026.

According to Russini, "the 49ers have been holding out hope that Aiyuk would show up, ready to practice."

"However, their optimism seems to have run out," Russini wrote Saturday. "I expect a resolution sooner rather than later."

Russini's report comes after 49ers tight end George Kittle told reporters Thursday he felt like it was unlikely Aiyuk would return to the Niners.

"At this point, it doesn't seem like he's coming back," Kittle said (h/t 49ers Webzone's David Bonilla). "I try my best not to even think about it because I love Brandon... I've got to admit, we've got to make do with what we've got in the locker room, and the guys that are here want to be here."

Niners quarterback Brock Purdy meanwhile said Friday he would "love to play" with Aiyuk again, per Niners Wire's Mike Masala.

"Obviously I wish he was healthy to be able to be with us and play and roll," Purdy said Friday. "But like I said before, and I've said in the past, all the things off the field, that's not my place to say anything."

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported back in November that Aiyuk was considered "slightly more tradeable with the voided guarantees," but that "reworking his deal altogether would be the preferred method" to facilitate a trade.

Aiyuk "would have suitors" in free agency if the 49ers decide to release the wide receiver instead, Fowler noted. The 27-year-old recorded 1,342 receiving yards in 16 games during his last full NFL season in 2023.

The question for the 49ers could be who will replace Aiyuk if he's gone by 2026. In addition to his receiving abilities, Kittle credited him with helping block defenders when the Niners ran the ball, which has been a problem for a team averaging fewer than 100 rushing yards per game this season.

Whether Aiyuk officially departs from the organization this winter could shape how the 49ers approach the free agent market and draft next spring.