49ers insider delivers unexpected Brandon Aiyuk news that flips injury outlook

When wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk suffered his torn ACL and MCL toward the middle of last year, the general consensus is the San Francisco 49ers would be without their top receiver at least until into the first few weeks of the following season.

After all, the damage done to Aiyuk's knee in that infamous game against the Kansas City Chiefs was extensive, requiring serious rehabilitation.

However, according to one well-connected Niners insider, Aiyuk might potentially just maybe perhaps be back on the field by Week 1.

No joke.

Brandon Aiyuk's latest injury update is shockingly good news

Speaking on the Bay Area radio station, KNBR 680, NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco gave an exceptionally positive update on Aiyuk's status, which doesn't rule out the possibility playing when the regular season commences this September and also jives with what general manager John Lynch said of the wideout earlier this offseason.

"I hear he's doing really well," Maiocco said on Thursday. "I hear that the knee is even ahead of schedule."

Maiocco also expanded about the possibility of Aiyuk playing in Week 1, saying, "it's not out of the question."

You can listen to Maiocco's full interview on KNBR below:

San Francisco was initially anticipating an Aiyuk-less lineup to kick off the year, one that'd rely heavily on Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall as the top two receivers, while others like Jacob Cowing, rookie Jordan Watkins and the offseason veteran free-agent addition, Demarcus Robinson, would hold the line.

While Aiyuk isn't guaranteed to return by the season opener, even the sheer chance of it happening is great news.

"Even though the timeline, everything being equal, might point toward, 'hey, there's a chance Week 1,' and there still might be a chance Week 1, I think the feeling inside the organization has always been don't take any chances, start him off on PUP when they report to training camp on July 22, and then more than likely, just have that carry over into the regular season," Maiocco continued.

Should that be the case, then Aiyuk would miss at least the first four games of the regular season, but even that might be a blessing when many worried if he'd miss at least the first half of 2025.

Positive update either way, though, right?

Hat tip to David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone for the find and transcription.