The saga between wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers finally hit a point of no return when the franchise placed him on the reserve/left squad list just ahead of their Week 15 home contest against the Tennessee Titans.
This ends what has been a contemptuous period of time from before his 2024 contract extension and through an awkward 2025 campaign in which the still-injured receiver seemingly disappeared from team activities, potentially as a result of the Niners voiding guarantees on his contract for next season.
As things stand, it's pretty much assumed his final snap in a San Francisco uniform was the play in October of 2024 when he suffered a then season-ending ACL and MCL tear.
The #49ers placed WR Brandon Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list, which officially ends his season… and almost certainly his 49ers career. pic.twitter.com/v8BGqBJLbM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 13, 2025
While removing a disgruntled distraction ultimately seems like a good idea for any team, in San Francisco's case, Aiyuk's departure is going to be a difficult one to navigate.
If anything, the 49ers have sorely missed the receiver's presence. And, depending how far they get into the postseason, they'll continue missing him going forward.
49ers are going to miss Brandon Aiyuk... badly
Granted, Aiyuk returning to the field at any point this season wasn't guaranteed regardless of the standoff. His injury wasn't an easy one from which to return, as multiple ligaments suffered serious damage.
That said, the Niners have already missed his downfield presence and route-running capabilities, putting more pressure on other receivers to step up, often with less-than-desirable results.
It's something Kyle Posey of Niner Noise described well:
"It may be some time before Aiyuk reaches those heights again, but the task of having to replace him is one that the Niners could have avoided. Aiyuk had developed into an ideal Kyle Shanahan receiver, and the fact he will not be continuing his career in Shanahan’s offense should be a source of regret for the 49ers."
Plenty of his offensive teammates would agree, too.
"I wish he were healthy to be with us and roll," quarterback Brock Purdy said last week. "All the things off the field, that’s not my place to say anything. All I can say is I’d love to play with him."
Instead, Purdy and the the rest of San Francisco offense has to hope less-known receivers like Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne can shoulder the load.
That'll be a tall order.