49ers Injury Updates: Aiyuk’s ACL Tear Leads Roster Woes

The San Francisco 49ers suffered a major blow on Monday, as head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL.

Aiyuk Goes Down, 49ers Wide Receivers Face Roster Challenges

Shanahan revealed the news after the team’s recent game. “I know he had the MCL also. I didn’t look into all of it yet,” Shanahan stated. He later confirmed the severity of Aiyuk’s injury: “I just finished with the players. I was told ACL, and there was MCL also.” This devastating injury throws a significant wrench into the 49ers’ offensive plans.

Shanahan reached out to Aiyuk after the game, sharing in his disappointment. “He was hurt. He was bummed out,” Shanahan said. “Exactly how you’d expect, he was definitely a little down last night. I let him know how we all felt about him.”

Adding to the receiver woes, Chris Conley is day-to-day due to an ankle injury, while tight end George Kittle is also day-to-day with a foot sprain.

Deebo Battles Pneumonia, Uncertain if He’ll Return Soon

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who showed incredible resilience playing through pneumonia-like symptoms during the game, is currently hospitalized. The 49ers will closely monitor his recovery over the next few days.

“He went in last night. It started acting up in the middle of the night, Saturday night, or early Sunday morning. Once we found out he had the fluid in his lungs after the game, that’s when we sent him over there,” Shanahan explained. According to Shanahan, Samuel struggled to breathe, making it difficult for him to perform at his best. “Deebo’s attempt to play through pneumonia-like symptoms is a testament to his determination,” Shanahan added.

Shanahan revealed uncertainty regarding Samuel’s return this week, saying, “I wasn’t sure whether the 49ers would get back Deebo this week.” He expects Ricky Pearsall and rookie Jacob Cowing to have significantly larger roles moving forward due to the mounting receiver injuries.

McCaffrey’s Progress and Greenlaw’s Return Timeline

On a more positive note, running back Christian McCaffrey’s rehab is progressing well. Shanahan confirmed McCaffrey has a good chance of returning post-bye week.

“Christian is still progressing through his rehab. There’s been no setbacks, so it’s all good news so far,” Shanahan said.

While McCaffrey’s return is promising, Shanahan expressed skepticism about him playing against the Dallas Cowboys.

“I’d be surprised if McCaffrey suited up on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys but is hopeful his rehab goes well during the bye week,” he added.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is still a few weeks away from returning, according to Shanahan. “Greenlaw is still weeks after that. Still doing fine, but no time soon,” he said.

Kicker Moody Remains Out

Kicker Jake Moody’s recovery from a high-ankle sprain is ongoing, with Shanahan stating he’ll be back after the bye week at the earliest.