"SANTA CLARA Brandon Aiyuk has officially left the 49ers' building and roster, likely forever. Aiyuk's stalled comeback from last season's knee injury turned into such a vanishing act that the 49ers reclassified his status Saturday as reserve/left squad. Aiyuk did not previously count against the 53-man roster with his reserve/physically-unable-to-perform list, and now the 49ers are essentially announcing he's not returning this season nor in the foreseeable future."
"I try my best not to think about it, tight end George Kittle said Thursday. I love Brandon. He's one of my best teammates I've played with. We have a lot of moments together from his rookie year (in 2020). Every year we have a ton of memories. That's the Brandon I remember. I wish he was here. It kind of just makes me sad so I just push it to the side, Kittle added."
"Although the 49ers voided $27 million in 2026 guarantees back in late July for reportedly violating terms of his knee rehabilitation, Aiyuk maintained a very visible presence during training camp and the first month of the season as he shadowed wide receivers' warmups. He vanished from the media's sight once October arrived, although 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch stated that Aiyuk continued to show up for early-morning therapy sessions."
Brandon Aiyuk has been reclassified as reserve/left squad after his stalled comeback from a torn right knee ligaments and meniscus injury, effectively removing him from the 49ers' foreseeable plans. He previously occupied the reserve/physically-unable-to-perform list and no longer counts against the 53-man roster. The 49ers voided $27 million in 2026 guarantees amid reported violations of rehabilitation terms. Aiyuk appeared during training camp and early season activities but disappeared from public view in October while coaches and the general manager noted continued early-morning therapy attendance. Teammates have expressed concern and shifted to past-tense about his 49ers career.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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