Brandon Aiyuk has been sidelined this season with the San Francisco 49ers due to a combination of recovering from an injury and a subsequent status change that has rendered him ineligible to play. Following a significant torn ACL and MCL injury in October 2024, Aiyuk had surgery and began the 2025 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as he rehabilitated.
Initially, there was optimism from the team about his potential return to the field. However, on December 13, 2025, the 49ers placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left team list. This designation is typically used for players who are retiring or temporarily stepping away, thus making him unavailable to play for the remainder of the season.
Aiyuk’s absence can be traced back to his knee injury late last year and the subsequent rehab. Reports from this fall indicated that as he continued his recovery, a growing distance between him and the organization emerged, complicating his path back to active status. Although the team expected him to return once he regained health, he remained detached from daily team activities as the season progressed.
The reserve/left team designation solidified Aiyuk’s ineligibility and eliminated his chances of an in-season return. This situation illustrates a clear timeline of events that led to his absence, separate from any concerns about his physical readiness to play.
Significantly, multiple reports suggest that Aiyuk’s relationship with the team is strained, leading to a likely separation this offseason. This follows a challenging narrative, including a training camp hold-in prior to signing a four-year extension, his knee injury, and now his placement on the reserve/left team list.
Former teammate Jon Feliciano expressed his confusion and disappointment regarding Aiyuk’s situation. Feliciano, who was once very supportive of Aiyuk, noted that it “couldn’t be me” in terms of not participating while receiving a substantial paycheck. He also shared his perspective on the competitive nature of sports, emphasizing the emotional toll of being sidelined while the team continues to perform well.
As the 49ers move forward, the situation remains delicate. While Aiyuk’s tenure with the team may be in jeopardy, there is hope that both he and the organization could find a resolution that benefits their futures. This potential outcome highlights the complexities of professional sports, particularly regarding player health, team dynamics, and personal choices.