The worst-case scenario was confirmed Monday, relating to the status of San Francisco 49ers star pass catcher Brandon Aiyuk, whose 2024 season is over.
Further testing over the past few hours has determined that Aiyuk suffered a torn ligament in his right knee during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
At the end of the second quarter, Aiyuk had just made a catch when a rival’s protective helmet slammed into his knee. He had to be escorted off the field in a cart, and was later seen moving around using crutches.
The severity of Aiyuk’s injury was first reported by whistleblower Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports.
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Brandon Aiyuk is down on the field after an apparent leg injury on this play.pic.twitter.com/mtH4ZQdasp
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365)
October 20, 2024“/>
After a lengthy contract dispute this offseason, Aiyuk became one of the highest-paid athletes in the NFL at his position.
However, he did not deliver the goods in his fifth campaign in the Goodell circuit; in six games, he would have totaled only 23 catches for 351 yards. He didn’t score a touchdown.
“Obviously, knowing what BA means to our offense, who he is as a teammate, it’s really sad,” quarterback Brock Purdy said after the loss to Kansas City. I wish him nothing but the best, and I pray for him. »
Because of this notable absence, the Niners will be betting even more than Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings at the top of the receiver hierarchy.
Jennings missed Sunday’s game with a hip injury, but the team expects to see him back in practice over the next few days.
Samuel attempted to play through a virus against the Chiefs, but was confined to the sidelines for most of the game.
Injury slows Metcalf down
Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver DK Metcalf is dealing with a Grade 1 ACL sprain, but the injury isn’t expected to keep him out of action long term based on preliminary evaluations.
“It doesn’t seem like it’s a long-term injury and I know you know DK, we know DK, he’s probably going to do everything humanly possible to be able to play, I imagine. We will assess the situation as the week unfolds. »
A source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Metcalf will be evaluated on a weekly basis.
Metcalf, who ranks second among NHL receivers with 658 yards, was injured in the second half of the Seahawks’ victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday and did not return to the game afterward.
