Santa Clara, CA – October 20, 2025, The San Francisco 49ers may have earned an impressive 20–10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football, but the win came with a worrying setback. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk exited the game in the second quarter after suffering an apparent knee injury and did not return for the rest of the matchup at Levi’s Stadium.

Aiyuk went down following a short reception near midfield, immediately grabbing his right knee before being attended to by team trainers. He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game. The exact severity of the injury has not yet been confirmed by the team, but sources indicate that further evaluation and imaging tests are scheduled early this week.

Impact on the 49ers’ Offense

Before leaving the game, Aiyuk recorded 3 receptions for 41 yards, continuing his consistent production as one of Brock Purdy’s most trusted targets. His absence forced the 49ers to rely more heavily on Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey in the passing game.

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged Aiyuk’s importance during the postgame press conference, saying:

“Brandon’s one of our toughest and most dynamic guys. We’ll see how serious it is, but we’re hopeful it’s nothing long-term.”

The 49ers still managed to control the tempo of the game through McCaffrey’s dominant performance — 129 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 72 receiving yards — but losing Aiyuk for any extended period would be a major blow to their offensive rhythm.

ext Steps and Injury Outlook

As of Monday morning, the 49ers have not provided an official timeline for Aiyuk’s recovery. Early reports suggest that the team will likely take a cautious approach, especially with a crucial Week 8 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on the horizon.

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Fans and analysts are awaiting updates from 49ers’ medical staff once MRI results are available. If Aiyuk misses time, expect rookie WR Ricky Pearsall or Jauan Jennings to see expanded roles in the passing rotation.

The Faithful React

49ers fans flooded social media with messages of support under hashtags like #PrayForAiyuk and #FTTB, hoping for positive news. Many praised his resilience and competitive fire — qualities that have made Aiyuk one of the most beloved players in the Bay Area.

Looking Ahead

The 49ers’ victory over the Falcons moves them to 5–2, keeping them atop the NFC West standings. As they prepare for their next battle against the Cowboys, the team’s focus will be on keeping their roster healthy and ready for another deep playoff push.