Where 49ers might go next after Aiyuk’s likely serious ACL injury originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA – The 49ers offense will likely be without Brandon Aiyuk for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season as the wideout is feared to have suffered an ACL injury during San Francisco’s 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
“We’re concerned it’s an ACL,” coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game. “Not confirmed yet, but we will know for sure tomorrow.”
Aiyuk’s injury, suffered late in the first half, is a huge blow to the 49ers’ wide receiver group, which was considered the deepest position on the roster. As we move forward, Shanahan will need other players to get his offense back on track.
But it’s not time for the 49ers to look outside the building to join the fold, at least not yet.
In the past, Deebo Samuel has been a receiver Shanahan has leaned on to carry the offensive load, but on Sunday morning the wide receiver was struck by an illness that he initially tried to play through.
Samuel was on the field for an early warm-up but did not return for pre-match drills. The All-Pro eventually got on the field and tried to play, but couldn’t catch his breath, left the field a few minutes before halftime and did not return to the game.
In the week leading up to the game, Samuel was dealing with a wrist injury that limited his practice, but he was no longer on the 49ers’ injury report on Friday. Most likely, the talented wide receiver could play next Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys.
The 49ers offense was already without Jauan Jennings, who is still dealing with a hip injury suffered in their Week 6 win at Seattle. Shanahan does not believe the Tennessee product’s injury can be considered long-term and hopes to have the third-down specialist back in time for Week 8.
Without the 49ers’ top three wide receivers on the field, rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing saw extended playing time in the second half alongside Ronnie Bell and veteran Chris Conley.
The return of the first-round draft pick couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. After playing just 17 offensive snaps in the first half of the game, Pearsall played a more prominent role in the second half, being on the field for almost all of the offensive snaps.
While the rookie’s stats are modest, catching three of his five targets for 21 yards, Shanahan Pearsall will likely integrate even more into the offense if Aiyuk does indeed miss the rest of the season. The Florida product is a smart route runner and could take on more responsibility.
The offense could also focus on Cowing, who has undeniable speed and can stretch the field. The rookie caught two of his three targets for 50 yards on Sunday, with one catch on a deep go route for 41 yards.
Although the 49ers offense lost one of their biggest playmakers, there are still capable players on the team. But if San Francisco suffers another significant injury, it may need to look elsewhere before the Nov. 5 NFL trade deadline.
Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast
