When the San Francisco 49ers take the field in Australia for Thursday night's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, they'll do so with an air of mystery remaining over one of the NFL's most bizarre situations.
Brandon Aiyuk, the team's leading receiver in 2023 who missed all of last season with a knee injury, is still technically under control of the 49ers. However, after failing to apply with the NFL for reinstatement amid a dispute with the team, the Niners placed him on the reserve/left squad list this summer.
That appears to be where he'll remain until the sides reach a resolution. 49ers general manager John Lynch said about Aiyuk on Aug. 31, "Nothing has changed there."
Will Brandon Aiyuk play for the 49ers again?
Though the Niners could use help at receiver after losing Ricky
Pearsall, it seems unlikely Aiyuk fills that need after his social media activity and pushing for a trade to the Washington Commanders this offseason.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: What will 49ers do with Brandon Aiyuk? Latest on WR ahead of Week 1
