San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was outstanding last season. Despite sharing targets with George Kittle and Deebo Samuel Sr., the former Arizona State star was a top-20 wide receiver for fantasy players.
Unfortunately, his offseason was full of drama. Aiyuk and the 49ers had messy contract negotiations all offseason, leading to a near trade out of town. Thankfully, the veteran signed a massive extension with the team right before Week 1.
Aiyuk is the WR58 for the year, averaging only 7.1 half-point PPR fantasy points. More importantly, he suffered a knee injury in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. When will Aiyuk return to the lineup? Let’s dive into it.
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When Is Brandon Aiyuk Coming Back?
Fantasy players were frustrated with Aiyuk. The star wide receiver averaged 6.7 targets per game this season. Yet, he had fewer than 7.4 fantasy points in all but the Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Unfortunately, none of that matters now. Aiyuk suffered a season-ending injury against the Chiefs, tearing the ACL and MCL in his knee.
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk out for season with torn ACL, MCL. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/XqsO5IxKKn
— NFL (@NFL) October 21, 2024
Fantasy Football Impact For The San Francisco 49ers Wide Receivers
Samuel and Kittle will be the top two options in the 49ers’ passing attack with Aiyuk out for the year. Meanwhile, Jauan Jennings has averaged 11.8 fantasy points per game this season. However, Ricky Pearsall might be the one to step up with Aiyuk out of the lineup.
The rookie wide receiver has only played in two games this year after getting shot in an attempted robbery days before Week 1. Pearsall made his NFL debut in Week 7, totaling three receptions on five targets for 21 receiving yards and 3.6 fantasy points.
However, he was better in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys. Pearsall caught all four targets for 38 receiving yards. The rookie also had an impressive 39-yard rushing attempt, totaling 9.7 fantasy points in the win.
Run Ricky run! Ricky Pearsall picks up 39 yards on the rush.
📺: #DALvsSF on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/FqNVTxYf55— NFL (@NFL) October 28, 2024
Fantasy players should have high hopes for Pearsall after the 49ers’ Week 9 bye.
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