2024-10-22 04:32:00
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has torn ligaments in his right knee and will miss the remainder of the season.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday’s tests confirmed the initial diagnosis that Aiyuk suffered a knee injury while making a catch in the red zone late in the second quarter of a 28-18 loss that required major reconstruction. Operation. Aiyuk also suffered a torn ACL, Shanahan said.
Shanahan said he was devastated by the news of his serious injury when he spoke to Aiyuk at his home Sunday night.
“I’m in pain. But BA is a strong man and a spiritual man. He believes everything happens for a reason. So he’s going to be OK. But it was definitely a little emotional last night,” Shanahan said.
Aiyuk, who signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension in late August after signing a long-term deal, has 25 catches for 374 yards this season. He was named a second-team All-Pro last season with 1,342 receiving yards.
Aiyuk’s absence puts additional pressure on first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, who had three catches in his NFL debut Sunday, just shy of being hit in the chest during a robbery attempt in San Francisco Exactly 50 days since I was shot.
San Francisco could also lose two of its top receivers this week. Deebo Samuel was hospitalized Sunday night with pneumonia, which forced him to miss most of the game against Kansas City. Shanahan doesn’t know when Samuel will be able to return to practice.
No. 3 wide receiver Ja’an Jennings missed the last game with a hip injury and his status this week remains questionable.
All-Pro tight end George Kittle (sprained ankle) and backup receiver Chris Conley (sprained ankle) are working each day.
Aiyuk’s injury is the latest to affect a star player for the 49ers, who have been without All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey all season due to Achilles tendonitis.
McCaffrey has been practicing over the past few weeks but is not expected to return to practice this week. Shanahan said McCaffrey has a chance to return after the Niners’ bye week before visiting Tampa Bay on Nov. 10.
The Niners also lost several other key players, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and safety Talanoa Hufanga.
That’s led to a rough start to the season for the 49ers (3-4), who are fighting to get back to the playoffs after reaching the NFC Championship Game the past three seasons and losing to Kansas City in this season’s Super Bowl. struggle.
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