Tests reveal full extent of Brandon Aiyuk’s knee injury

Aug 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk suffered a knee injury during Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and his 2024 season is now over.

Following San Francisco’s 28-18 loss to the Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan said Aiyuk was feared to have torn his ACL. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, it was even worse than that.

Rapoport reported on Monday that Aiyuk tore both his ACL and MCL. There may be additional damage as well, which will leave the 26-year-old with a difficult rehab process.

#49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk does, in fact, have a torn ACL and MCL, per sources after the MRI. There may be other damage.

His season is over, with a long road back for 2025. This is what coach Kyle Shanahan and SF believed following the game. pic.twitter.com/Ju5nxlgDLC

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 21, 2024

Aiyuk suffered the knee injury when he was sandwiched between two defenders while making a catch late in the first half. You can see the play here.

After signing a 4-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers during the offseason, Aiyuk now finishes his season with just 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns.

San Francisco was also without Pro Bowl wide receiver Deebo Samuel on Sunday, who missed the game with an illness. Jauan Jennings was sidelined with a lingering hip injury. Now that Aiyuk is out for the year, it would not be a surprise if the Niners look to acquire a wideout ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline.