Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was set up for an awfully lengthy recovery after suffering both a torn ACL and MCL during the early half of the San Francisco 49ers' 2024 campaign.
Unlike a clean ACL tear, Aiyuk's knee had significant damage, meaning it'd likely be at least a full calendar year before he'd be ready and able to return to action. And, throughout much of the leadup to the 2025 season, and then weeks therein, the constant feed of updates from both general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan consisted of phrases like "he's better this week than last."
But not exactly close to a return.
Finally, just ahead of the Niners' Week 8 road bout against the Houston Texans, Shanahan told reporters there might actually be a concrete date in the next step for getting Aiyuk off an injury list and back into uniform.
Considering San Francisco's too-lengthy injury report to date, this is clearly welcomed news.
Brandon Aiyuk could see his practice window opened in Week 9
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Shanahan revealed the 49ers could potentially open Aiyuk's 21-day practice window as early as next week, meaning Week 9.
While the head coach didn't guarantee it would happen, the announcement of a potential date is arguably the best news surrounding Aiyuk the Niners have had in months.
San Francisco would have those 21 days to evaluate whether or not Aiyuk could be activated, either deciding to clear a spot for him on the 53-man roster or designate him for season-ending injured reserve, and the hope is clearly for the former.
Interestingly, though, Aiyuk's eventual return potentially creates a bit of a logjam at the position, which is already murky enough with depth receivers like Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne assuming key duties with both Aiyuk and even Ricky Pearsall sidelined.
While those four appear to have safe roster spots, it does make things a little trickier for fringe receivers like Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins to play any sort of role this season.
But Shanahan and the 49ers would much rather have the likes of Aiyuk, Pearsall, Jennings and Bourne sitting atop the depth chart than the several less-known names.
And, judging by the latest injury updates, that kind of depth appears closer to being the case than it would have been a week or two ago.