If the 49ers get out of their first-half droop, they’re going to achieve this and not using a key offensive playmaker.
On Monday, reporters surfaced that broad receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 7’s 28-18 loss to the Chiefs.
“His season is over, with a protracted street again for 2025,” wrote NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
As Fox Sports activities insider Jordan Schultz famous, as brutal because the damage is for the wideout, it might have been worse.
Aiyuk entered coaching camp on an expiring contract and held out for a brand new deal. He signed a four-year, $120M extension on Aug. 29.
With a protracted restoration timeline, Aiyuk’s damage could possibly be a consider 2025.
Within the current, his absence will increase the issue for the 49ers (3-4) in reaching the playoffs once more this season.
San Francisco’s scenario is far totally different than in 2022 when a loss to Kansas Metropolis additionally dropped their file to 3-4.
That 12 months, San Francisco had lately acquired operating again Christian McCaffrey from the Panthers to bolster an offense with Aiyuk, broad receiver Deebo Samuel and tight finish George Kittle.
McCaffrey (calf) has but to play this season, making Aiyuk’s damage much more damaging.
To make issues worse, Samuel was hospitalized whereas battling a case of pneumonia and fluid in his lungs and Kittle is day-to-day with a sprained foot.
Quarterback Brock Purdy has been common with out his full repertoire of proficient playmakers.
He is finishing a career-low 63.9% of his passes, and his 4.2 landing price can be his lowest in three seasons, whereas his interception price (3.2%) is the very best.
Purdy has significantly struggled over his final 4 video games, going 69-of-121 (57%) for 999 yards, 5 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.
He had solely his second profession recreation with not less than three interceptions in Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs.
Aiyuk has been Purdy’s favourite goal since he turned the staff’s starter late in the course of the 2022 season, however he will not have his safety blanket as he tries to dig San Francisco out of its gap.
As a consequence of their mounting accidents, the Niners may already be standing of their grave.
