The San Francisco 49ers are coming off their first loss of the season and will face their divisional rivals on a short week without their star receiver.
Why isn’t Brandon Aiyuk playing for the 49ers against the Rams on Thursday Night Football?
The San Francisco 49ers won their first three games against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, New Orleans Saints in Week 2, and Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. They suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and unfortunately, they’re dealing with some pretty significant injuries to their offense, including to quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle.
One of their top receivers also remains out - Brandon Aiyuk is not expected to return until Week 6.
What injury does Brandon Aiyuk have?
Last season, Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL in his right knee in Week 7. He is still going through rehab from that injury. Ahead of the start of the regular season, Aiyuk was placed on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, which kept him out for at least four weeks.
Technically, Aiyuk is eligible to return this week, but head coach Kyle Shanahan had a Week 6 return in mind. This week is a Thursday game, which means a short week. Week 6, the Niners face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 12.
With Aiyuk on PUP, Kittle on Injured Reserve, and WR Jauan Jennings questionable with a shoulder injury, second-year Ricky Pearsall is expected to step up at receiver, with Mac Jones under center.
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