Brandon Aiyuk's season is over.
An MRI confirmed the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Sunday's 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday. Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan later confirmed the the extent of Aiyuk's injury to reporters.
Aiyuk went down with the injury in the final minute of the first half when he collided with Chiefs defensive backs Chamarri Conner and Trent McDuffie after catching a 15-yard pass from Brock Purdy. Replays showed Aiyuk's right leg bending awkwardly upon contact, and Aiyuk remained on the ground for several minutes after the collision, receiving medical attention before being helped to the sideline. He was eventually carted to the locker room.
After initial tests, Aiyuk was ruled out of the remainder of the game in the third quarter. Shanahan told reporters afterward the 49ers were "worried" Aiyuk suffered an ACL injury, and Monday's scans confirmed their fears.
Aiyuk made headlines throughout a rollercoaster ride of a summer in which he and the 49ers struggled to come to terms on an extension. His name was dangled in trade rumors involving multiple suitors -- Rapoport reported in early August that the 49ers and Steelers had agreed to parameters of a deal that would send Aiyuk to Pittsburgh -- but after a prolonged stalemate that included Aiyuk staging a training camp hold-in, the two sides eventually agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension on Aug. 29.
With the financial side handled, Aiyuk was free to resume his role as a key target for Purdy in a 49ers offense loaded with stars though the group has dealt with a number of key injuries as star Christian McCaffrey has yet to play in a game this season.
The 2023 second-team All-Pro receiver struggled to get going following his contract disupte, posting just one 100-plus-yard game in seven contests.
His season ends with 25 catches for 374 yards. He'll face a long road back to the field after undergoing surgery to repair his ACL.
