"I'm not counting on it": 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan gets brutally honest about Brandon Aiyuk's return

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has remained hopeful that wideout Brandon Aiyuk will return to the team later this season, but he pointed out that it doesn't seem likely. In July, San Francisco voided Aiyuk's 2026 guaranteed money, while the wideout continues his rehab from a serious knee injury that he suffered in Week 7 of the 2024 season.

On Tuesday, Shanahan and 49ers general manager John Lynch were asked on KNBR Radio whether Aiyuk would return to the team this season. Lynch didn't seem confident.

"Realistic? I'm not sure," Lynch said. "Hopeful? Yeah. So, I think that's kind of where I'd leave that. He continues to rehab, and hopefully, that's, like I've always said, we're a better football team when Brandon's out there, and I hope that's the case.

"But I think that's probably what it is -- is hope right now. And I wish it were a little bit more than that."

Shanahan held a bit of optimism.

"Oh, I'm definitely still hopeful," Shanahan said. "I'm not counting on it, but I'm definitely still hoping that can happen."

Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers before the 2024 season. However, San Francisco voided the roughly $27 million of Aiyuk's guaranteed money since he missed meetings and declined to participate in other team activities.

The 49ers have four more regular-season games this season, but could play a few more since they are in contention to make the playoffs. Aiyuk has been on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since the offseason, but it remains to be seen if and when he will return to the active roster.

Kyle Shanahan's 49ers will face the Tennessee Titans in Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season

NFL: San Francisco 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan - Source: Imagn

Kyle Shanahan's 49ers will have a bye in Week 14. San Francisco will return to action in Week 15 when it hosts the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 14.

The Titans (1-11) are on a seven-game losing streak. They will face the Cleveland Browns in Week 14 before making the trip to San Francisco.