Thurs. Sept 21 Update — Aiyuk is not expected to play on Thursday night. He still has pre-game warmups to go through, but the current expectation is that he won’t suit up for the 49ers against the Giants.
49ers’ WR Brandon Aiyuk, listed as questionable for tonight’s game due to a shoulder injury, is not expected to play vs. the Giants, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2023
Wed. Sep 20 PM update — Aiyuk is officially listed as questionable for Thursday night’s game against the Giants.
#49ers do not rule out anyone for home opener:
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 20, 2023
Questionable:
WR Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder)
CB Ambry Thomas (knee) https://t.co/2iNaNGwXee
Wed., Sep 20 update — Aiyuk is considered a game-time decision for Thursday due to the chest injury sustained in Week 2. He was limited in practice on Wednesday.
Brandon Aiyuk’s status for #49ers vs. #NYGiants?
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 20, 2023
GM John Lynch (on KNBR) says it’s “very fluid” and essentially a game-time decision as Aiyuk deals with irritation in chest, shoulder area.
Tue, Sep 19 update: The 49ers announced that Brandon Aiyuk will be a limited participant. That is an upgrade from Monday’s DNP. It’s worth noting the 49ers have been holding walkthroughs as opposed to full practices, so these are estimations. But it is still a helpful upgrade as the game approaches.
Per Kyle Shanahan, Brandon Aiyuk and Ambry Thomas will be limited in today’s practice.
— Tracy Sandler (@TracyFGSN) September 19, 2023
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk did not practice on Monday. The Niners face the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football in Week 3, making it a quick turnaround for both teams. Aiyuk left the 49ers’ Week 2 game against the Rams with neck issues, but was able to come back into the game for limited snaps. His shoulder was listed as the issue on the Niners’ Monday injury report.
The #49ers didn’t practice today, but below is an estimation of what participation would have been for a full practice.
— Tracy Sandler (@TracyFGSN) September 18, 2023
DNP: WR Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder)
Limited: CB Ambry Thomas (knee)
Fantasy football implications for Week 3
If Aiyuk is out or limited on Thursday, we can expect Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings to pick up most of the slack for the receiving corps. Aiyuk currently leads the 49ers in receiving yards. Tight end George Kittle will be another solid option for quarterback Brock Purdy, and running back Christian McCaffrey continues to lead the offense as a perennial go-to.
Ray-Ray McCloud and rookie Ronnie Bell could also potentially see some snaps and targets from Purdy in Week 3.