Brandon Aiyuk is expected to return to play for the San Francisco 49ers around Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season, which means mid-October. This timeline is based on updates from 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Week 7 of the 2024 season and started the 2025 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which requires him to miss at least the first four games. If he returns in Week 6, his first game back would be against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 12, 2025. The return date is somewhat flexible depending on his recovery progress, with coaches emphasizing a cautious approach and no exact deadline set. He is not expected to be ready before Week 5, and the team prefers a return in Week 6 to allow for proper preparation and recovery time.
