Analysis

Aiyuk sustained at least ACL and MCL tears in that knee during a Week 7 loss to the Chiefs, so Lombardi's report indicates other areas may have been impacted from the hit that he took just before halftime in that game. Medical science has reached a point that Aiyuk could make enough progress in his recovery to be ready for Week 1 of the 2025 season, but additional damage to his right knee on top of what is known may delay his next game action. With Aiyuk out for the season, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall will be the primary wide receivers for QB Brock Purdy the rest of the way.

Analysis

Aiyuk has a long rehab path ahead of him after suffering ACL and MCL tears in his right knee during Sunday's loss to the Chiefs. The 49ers are left with Deebo Samuel (illness) and Jauan Jennings (hip) as their top veteran wide receivers for the rest of the season, and it's unclear if either will be available this Sunday against the Cowboys. Rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing and second-year pro Ronnie Bell are all candidates for significant playing time in the near future, especially if veteran backup Chris Conley (ankle) also is unable to play.

Analysis

Aiyuk will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the season, ending it with 25 catches (on 47 targets) for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games. With Deebo Samuel suffering from pneumonia, Jauan Jennings dealing with a hip issue and Chris Conley tending to a sprained ankle, the 49ers' current healthy wide receivers on the active roster are Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing and Ronnie Bell.

Analysis

Look for confirmation of the report, either way, to arrive from the 49ers later Monday, but Aiyuk appears destined for injured reserve as a result of his knee injury. In Aiyuk's looming absence, Deebo Samuel (illness) and Jauan Jennings (hip) are in line to lead the 49ers' WR corps going forward, with 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall also likely to see an expanded role in the team's passing offense.

Analysis

The exact nature of Aiyuk's injury isn't yet clear, but the fear after Sunday's loss to the Chiefs was that it was a significant injury and possibly a torn ACL. While making a catch, Aiyuk was hit low and high by a pair of Kansas City defenders going opposite directions, forcing Aiyuk's knee to bend in the wrong direction. It sounds as if he'll end the 2024 season with 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns across seven games after he held out the entirety of training camp while seeking a contract extension. The 49ers eventually caved and gave the star wideout a four-year, $120 million deal. Deebo Samuel (illness) and George Kittle are likely to carry even more of the target load going forward for San Francisco, and Jauan Jennings (hip) figures to draw back into the starting lineup as an every-down wideout once he's healthy. Rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing and veteran Chris Conley would be next in line for snaps.

Analysis

Aiyuk exited due to a second-quarter knee injury. If further testing confirms a torn ACL, the injury would be season-ending. Aiyuk had two catches for 23 yards on six targets prior to getting hurt Sunday, bringing his season totals to 25 catches for 374 yards.

Analysis

Aiyuk picked up the health concern at the end of a 15-yard catch late in the second quarter. He was able to get to the sideline under his own power, but after visiting the sideline tent, he was carted to the locker room at the start of halftime, pointing at his right knee in the process, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. With Jauan Jennings (inactive) and Deebo Samuel (illness) also ruled out, Chris Conley, Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing and Ronnie Bell are the 49ers' current healthy wide receivers.

Analysis

Aiyuk remained on the turf after a 15-yard catch late in the second quarter, and while he was able to walk to the sideline under his own power, he required assistance to reach the locker room. With Deebo Samuel dealing with an illness and barely seeing the field Sunday and Jauan Jennings (hip) inactive, the 49ers may have to play the rest of Week 7 with Chris Conley, Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing and Ronnie Bell at wide receiver.

Analysis

On the heels of a season-best eight-catch, 147-yard line in Week 5, Aiyuk disappointingly regressed to the mean just four days later. Outside of the aforementioned breakout performance, Aiyuk hasn't topped 48 receiving yards or five receptions in any of his other five games. Nevertheless, Aiyuk projects to be busier in a Week 7 Super Bowl rematch against the Chiefs on Sunday, Oct. 20, a game where Brock Purdy will likely have to put up more than Thursday night's 28 attempts.