NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco said “it’s not out of the question” for Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to play in Week 1, but believes landing on the physically unable to perform list is still likely.

11 July 2025

Maiocco said Aiyuk is “doing really well” in his ACL and MCL injury recovery, saying the knee is even ahead of schedule.” However, the 49ers “want to be extra cautious with him” and “the feeling inside the organization has always been don’t take any chances.” Maiocco expects Aiyuk to be placed on the PUP list when veterans report to training camp on July 22nd and to remain on the PUP list when the regular season begins. Returning in Week 5 or Week 6 is “quite possible” and Maiocco believes Aiyuk will be “getting up to speed quickly.”