Reports out of San Francisco are that Brandon Aiyuk is progressing well from his ACL/MCL injury and that it’s “not out of the question” for him to suit up for the 49ers in Week 1. However, all signs still point to the wideout being placed on the PUP to start the season. NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco says that Aiyuk returning in Week 5 or 6 of the regular season is “quite possible.” All parties believe he will get up to speed quickly.

A return before the midseason point appears to be plausible, though fantasy managers know how these comebacks can hit a snag at any moment. In the meantime, he’ll be drafted and stashed in most league formats, particularly those with IR eligibility. Once cleared, the 49ers’ optimism is rooted in his progress, and fantasy managers will likely be plugging the $120 million man immediately into lineups.

Aituk would return to a lineup that had time to figure out its receiver-room hierarchy, of which there is no shortage of weapons. Tight End George Kittle is coming off arguably the best season of his career, and 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall showed flashes in four starts. Add in a possible resurgence of Christian McCaffrey and the emergence Jauan Jennings (77 catches, 113 targets) and Aiyuk could become the varitable icing on the cake.

Following initial reports of Aiyuk being headed to the PUP, his average draft position dropped from 87 to 91 (WR50). In contrast, Jennings’ ADP is on the rise, as he is now ranked WR35 and being taken over two full rounds earlier as managers anticipate him seeing the lion’s share of targets in the offense.

Author: Sam Schneider (@BuyAndSellYou)