SANTA CLARA — Brandon Aiyuk’s comeback from last season’s knee injury is going so well, “it’s kind of incredible how well he’s healing,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said Thursday on The Pat McAfee Show.
Aiyuk appeared in good spirits and impressively agile while watching the 49ers’ minicamp practices Wednesday and Thursday. Whether or not he will be cleared in time for the Sept. 7 season opener at Seattle, Aiyuk’s work habits are impressing the 49ers.
Aiyuk tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee in an Oct. 20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, then underwent knee reconstruction the following month by Los Angeles-based surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
“Brandon is doing a tremendous job coming back,” Lynch said. “These guys that are incredibly skilled athletes, they tend to heal a lot faster. It’s kind of incredible how well he’s healing. He’s putting in the work. We’re proud of Brandon. We’re looking forward to him being part of this team moving forward.”
Aiyuk, a 2020 first-round draft pick, seemed willing to leave the 49ers a year ago before contentious contract negotiations led to a late-August deal (five years, $120 million). An April 1 roster bonus of $22.9 million affirmed the 49ers commitment to him this season.
San Francisco 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk (11) is injured after making a catch against Kansas City Chiefs' Trent McDuffie (22) and Kansas City Chiefs' Chamarri Conner (27) in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)“We made a big investment in him. We’re proud to have him part of our franchise and we’re looking for big things from him,” Lynch added. “We’re going to let him get right before we get him back on that field. But he’s an important part of this team.”
Aiyuk figures to open training camp on the Physically Unable To Perform list, and he’ll miss at least first four games if he starts the season on that list.
Aiyuk did not speak to reporters during the 49ers’ offseason program that officially concluded Thursday with a private, family-oriented picnic. On Wednesday, Aiyuk spoke outside the 49ers weight room with franchise legends Terrell Owens and Frank Gore.
“He is making his way back,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday. “He’s still in the middle of it, so he’s working through that. He’s been around, he’s been rehabbing for the most part, but he’s been out to some practices.”
Lynch described the 49ers’ relationship with Aiyuk as “good,” noting that Aiyuk has been present during the offseason program, and wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson recently praised Aiyuk’s role as a mentor to new receivers.
As for last year’s public posturing by Aiyuk during his contract stalemate and the 49ers’ frustrations with it, Lynch noted both parties said they would do it differently, adding: “One thing in families, you have little spats, then you give a big hug at the end and you work together. That’s where we’re at.”
The 49ers’ depth at wide receiver isn’t great, what with Aiyuk sidelined and former starter Deebo Samuel dealt to the Washington Commanders in March. Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) finished the offseason program working on the side. Demarcus Robinson is expected to draw a three-game suspension because of a November arrest for alleged drunken driving while he was on the Los Angeles Rams.
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