Brandon Aiyuk Files For Reinstatement As San Francisco Exit Looms

Aiyuk takes first step toward return

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has submitted paperwork to be reinstated to the NFL. His agent Drew Rosenhaus shared the update on Wednesday. Rosenhaus said that Brandon is healthy and ready to get back on the field. Aiyuk plans to report to the San Francisco 49ers training facility on Friday afternoon.

Applying for reinstatement is the initial step Aiyuk must take before he can play again. The team must now decide how to handle his rights. Aiyuk has not appeared in an NFL game since October 20, 2024, when he played against the Kansas City Chiefs. He tore the ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee during that contest.

Friction between player and team

Aiyuk and the Niners have been at odds for a long time. In July 2025, the team voided roughly 27 million dollars in guaranteed money on his contract. That decision came after Aiyuk failed to complete required rehab sessions and check ins during the offseason. He stopped showing up to the facility in December and was placed on the reserve left squad list. He later reverted to the reserve did not report list after skipping training camp in July.

General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have repeatedly stated that Aiyuk has played his last snap for San Francisco. In September, Shanahan was asked if he would reconsider bringing Aiyuk back due to injuries at wide receiver. Shanahan responded with a simple no.

The 28 year old wideout previously used social media to express his anger with the team and try to force his release. He also expressed a desire to join the Washington Commanders to play with his former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels. The NFL trading deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. If Aiyuk gets reinstated, releasing him is considered the most likely outcome. Before his injury, he earned second team All Pro honors in 2023 with 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.

What it means for the next game

The 49ers are set to move forward without Aiyuk as they focus on their upcoming schedule. Here is the outlook for their next game.

Las Vegas Raiders at San Francisco 49ers (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): San Francisco 49ers win 79%, Las Vegas Raiders win 21%; projected score San Francisco 49ers 30, Las Vegas Raiders 21. Our safest pick: 49ers to win.