It’s not clear when Brandon Aiyuk will make his return, but there’s cause for optimism around the 49ers’ receiving corps.
With Brandon Aiyuk coming off a devastating knee injury and the 49ers otherwise largely reliant on inexperienced players at wide receiver, it would be reasonable to have some concerns about the position going into the 2025 season.
However, thanks to a combination of developments on the field at spring practices and some emphatic comments from general manager John Lynch on Thursday, there’s cause for optimism that the 49ers’ situation at receiver is better than it might seem.
It remains to be seen whether Aiyuk will be ready for Week 1, but, asked about his recovery on The Pat McAfee Show, Lynch spoke very positively of his progress.
Lynch said:
“Brandon’s doing a tremendous job coming back. These guys that are incredibly skilled athletes, they tend to heal a lot faster. It’s kind of incredible how well he’s healing, and he’s putting in the work. We’re proud of Brandon, and we’re looking forward to him being part of this team moving forward. We made a big investment in him. We’re proud to have him part of our franchise, and looking for big things from him. And we’re gonna let him get right before we get him back on that field. But he’s an important part of this team.”
Lynch’s words suggest there is confidence the 49ers can get Aiyuk back on the field early in the season.
Of course, Aiyuk may need some time to knock the rust off when he does get back on the field having torn two ligaments and suffered meniscus damage in Week 7 last season.
As such, the 49ers will need others to step up and help mitigate the impact of an absence that extends into the regular season and any early struggles following Aiyuk’s return.
Outside of tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey — likely to be the focal points of the offense — much of the burden will fall on Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall, who have each developed an impressive rapport with Brock Purdy.
Beyond that pair, though, the 49ers have also seen encouraging signs in OTAs and minicamp from 2024 fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing and rookie fourth-rounder Jordan Watkins.
Cowing has received widespread praise for his performances in practice after making just four catches on six targets as a rookie. Shanahan said of Cowing on Tuesday: “Jacob, I thought put in some of the most work that anyone did over the offseason.
“Just as far as doing it before Phase One started and then continuing it through One, Two, and Three. And I think it’s really transferred over into those OTA practices.”
Shanahan was reluctant to lavish the same praise on Watkins, but Purdy did not hesitate to do so when asked about the former Ole Miss wideout.
Said Purdy:
“Jordan Watkins has been balling from day one really. He’s come in and he’s done everything pretty right and he’s been on point. He’s had a lot of explosive plays down the field. Obviously, the short game, the intermediate, he’s making plays all around. So, I’m excited for him. Obviously, we know it’s a process throughout this whole thing, from OTAs, to the 40 days away, to camp and I know he knows that. I’m really excited to keep working with him and for him to keep learning our offense and how we do things. But definitely a rookie that has popped out in front of everybody.”
There is obviously a huge difference between flashing promise in OTAs and minicamp and doing it when the real football starts but, with free agent signing Demarcus Robinson also said to be taking little time in developing chemistry with Purdy, the 49ers seemingly have reason to be upbeat about their Aiyuk insurance.
San Francisco will want to see a return on their $120 million investment in Aiyuk’s second contract in the near future. The words from Lynch suggest Aiyuk is edging closer to being ready to do that, and the evidence from the practice field indicates the 49ers might have enough depth at receiver to get at least sufficient production from that spot during the final weeks of his long road to recovery. It is wise to take everything with a pinch of salt at this time of year, but the early signs for the 49ers’ receivers are encouraging.