NFL insider analyzes Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers situation entering bye week

NFL insider analyzes Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers situation entering bye week originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Francisco 49ers enter the Week 14 bye with a 9-4 record, and the odds favor them to qualify for the playoffs. However, many fans in 'Niners Nation' are wondering about the status of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for the rest of the season and beyond.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler touched on the topic on Tuesday morning, as Aiyuk could be cleared to play, but still not added to the active roster due to his insubordination earlier this season. Missing physical rehab and eventually having his contract for 2026 voided, the enigmatic playmaker has yet to hit the field in 2025. Fowler states that the damage has been done, and it's doubtful that we will see Aiyuk in a 49ers uniform again - regardless of what he could bring to the table for the team.

"The 49ers and Aiyuk are at a crossroads where his talent could be of use as the Niners (9-4) make a playoff push," Fowler wrote. "But a potential return could also prove a distraction if he and the 49ers aren't able to put aside their differences."

MORE: 49ers ideal outcome with Brandon Aiyuk amid contract situation revealed

"Now, a once-promising future for the Niners and Aiyuk looks far murkier than it did on Aug. 29, 2024, when the sides signed a four-year, $120 million extension that, at the time, was the second largest in franchise history."

49ers are winning without Aiyuk

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As mentioned, the 49ers are poised to make the playoffs, despite being in third place in the NFC West. They trail the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, but with their nine victories, a wild-card spot is within the squad's grasp.

Some credit has to be given to head coach Kyle Shanahan, who has held the team together in 2025, despite injuries, inconsistency, and Aiyuk. San Francisco has won three straight games heading into the break, following the 49ers' 26-8 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

“I’ve been very happy with the tape I’ve been able to show these guys on Saturdays,” Shanahan said earlier in the season, according to The Athletic. “To remind them who they are and to show them what it looks like, and I expect it to look better each week.”