There is more sour news for Brandon Aiyuk owners, who watched him start slow out of the gates in 2024 before suffering a season-ending injury in week 7 against the Chiefs. It’s now being reported that the 27-year-old wide receiver will also miss at least the first half of the 2025 season.

After consecutive top-15 fantasy finishes, the 49ers extended their star receiver to a rich four-year deal last offseason. The result: Aiyuk failed to notch 50 receiving yards in six of seven games played and did not reach the end zone.  Fantasy owners would like to blame his lack of production on a late start to camp. However, this extended rehab process now threatens his ability to bounce back.

Ricky Pearsall, an already popular 2025 riser, should now be locked in for a heavy workload and will look to build on his late-season flourish. Jauan Jennings owners stand to gain the most from Aiyuk’s prolonged absence, however, as Pearsall was likely to play a lot regardless due to his draft capital. Jennings now seemingly breaks camp as the team’s number 1 guy on the outside.  The 27-year-old was going outside the top 150 in start-up drafts but will undoubtedly climb up people’s draft boards, especially in redraft.

-Blake Stachel (IG: bllakkay)