Brandon Aiyuk deletes all 49ers posts amid lingering injury mystery

Brandon Aiyuk has been recovering from a serious knee injury sustained earlier this season, described by team sources as a “devastating” or complex injury rather than a routine sprain. While he’s been rehabbing and participating lightly in non-contact drills, the 49ers have yet to open his practice window, originally suggesting the medical staff is proceeding cautiously to avoid setbacks.

However, more questions have come up after Aiyuk’s latest social media move.

Frustration grows between 49ers, Aiyuk as return timeline remains unclear

Tension may be brewing between Aiyuk and the 49ers as the star wide receiver remains sidelined with no clear return date. What’s more concerning is that Aiyuk recently deleted all 49ers-related content from his Instagram and unfollowed the team, mirroring social media behavior he showed during last year’s contract standoff.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has emphasized that the team is waiting for a specific medical clearance date before allowing Aiyuk to return. The lingering timeline, paired with Aiyuk’s public frustration, hints that the situation may involve both slow physical progress and friction over how his recovery is being handled, possibly complicated by contract-related tension that’s carried over from the offseason.

Though Aiyuk had been spotted running routes in practice sessions two weeks ago, Shanahan and general manager John Lynch both downplayed the idea that a return was near, saying the team still doesn’t have a target date for his comeback. Lynch added that while Aiyuk is “working hard,” his return is “not close.” 49ers beat reporter Jennifer Lee Chan reported that he hasn’t been to practice in weeks.

The uncertainty, both over his injury recovery and relationship with the team, has left fans questioning when, or if, Aiyuk will rejoin the lineup this season.

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