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Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers.

Brandon Aiyuk’s rehab has become one of the most closely watched storylines in the NFL.

With veterans reporting to training camp for the San Francisco 49ers on July 22, there’s no chance he’ll be putting the pads on just yet, but according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, Aiyuk may be ready to go sooner than initially expected.

Still recovering from a devastating 2024 knee injury in which he tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus, the expectation is that he’ll begin training camp or the season on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list. That would mean he’d miss at least four games, potentially more.

But Maiocco says the veteran wideout could be ready as soon as Week 1.

“I hear that knee is even ahead of schedule,” Maiocco said on KBHR on July 10 (h/t Niner Nation’s Kyle Posey).

Could Brandon Aiyuk Return Week 1 for the San Francisco 49ers?

GettyA New report says San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could return Week 1.

“From what I understand, he’s doing really well,” Maiocco said about Aiyuk. “From what I understand is, he could be ready Week 1. But also, because there was more to it than a clean ACL. There was ACL, MCL, some other stuff. They wanna be extra cautious with him. And so, even though the timeline, everything being equal might point to Week 1.”

If Aiyuk is indeed ready to go when the regular season begins, it would be a remarkable feat. He suffered the injury less than two months into the regular season last year. Multiple torn knee ligaments, especially for wide receivers, can be extremely difficult to rehab from.

Considering his importance to the franchise, Maiocco thinks the Niners are going to be cautious and not rush any aspect of Aiyuk’s return, though.

“I think the feeling inside of the organization has always been, don’t take any chances,” he added. “Start him off on PUP when they report to training camp on July 22, and more than likely have that carry over into the regular season. … Everything I’m hearing is things are looking good and the progress is even ahead from the markers that the 49ers put on him when he had that surgery.”

Aiyuk’s Performance in 2025 Will Be Under Serious Scrutiny

Aiyuk had a breakout campaign in 2023, hauling in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns over 16 regular season games, averaging a ridiculous 17.9 yards per catch. He earned second-team All-Pro recognition that year, solidifying his status as one of the NFL’s elite deep threats.

Contract tensions bubbled through the offseason after his career year, highlighted by a public standoff in summer of 2024. But by late August, the 49ers and Aiyuk reached a resolution: a four‑year extension worth $120 million, with $76 million guaranteed, ($30 million average annual salary). The deal cemented Aiyuk as the team’s WR1 heading into the season.

Unfortunately, his 2024 campaign ended Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, when he tore multiple ligaments in his knee. Through his first seven games last year, he had 25 catches for 374 yards (15 yards per catch). Without their top wideout and amid other injuries, the 49ers finished with a 6–11 mark, their first losing season since 2020.

Bleacher Report later ranked Aiyuk’s new deal among the NFL’s worst active contracts, citing the injury and uncertainty about his long-term durability.

If Aiyuk returns earlier in the season and picks up where he left off, he’ll silence the critics himself. It sounds like he’s on his way to doing just that.

Beth Mishler-Elmore Beth Mishler-Elmore is a Heavy sports contributor based in the Midwest, focusing on the NFL, NBA and WNBA. More about Beth Mishler-Elmore

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