Rosenhaus confirmed the appointment on Monday, telling ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he is actively working on getting the receiver back to work and playing in the league again. Aiyuk has not appeared in a game since October 20, 2024, when he suffered a season-ending injury against the Kansas City Chiefs, sustaining tears to his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee.
Path to Reinstatement and Future Outlook
The road to a return is complex, as Aiyuk must first formally apply for reinstatement with the NFL. His current status on the reserve/did not report list means he is not being paid by the 49ers and does not occupy a spot on their active roster. The team placed him on the reserve/left squad list in December after he ceased attending the team facility, following a series of events that saw the organization void approximately $27 million in guaranteed money from his contract in July 2025 due to missed rehabilitation sessions and check-ins.
While the 49ers hold his rights, both general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have consistently maintained that Aiyuk’s tenure with the franchise has concluded. Shanahan notably dismissed the possibility of a reunion in September, even when the team faced significant depth challenges at the wide receiver position. While the club previously explored trade options for the former 2020 first-round pick, a release appears to be the most probable outcome should he be reinstated.
Aiyuk’s relationship with the organization deteriorated significantly over the past year, with the player frequently using social media to express his frustration and desire to move on. During that period, he publicly suggested an interest in joining the Washington Commanders to reunite with former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels. However, the current viability of that destination remains uncertain, as the Commanders have since bolstered their receiving corps with the addition of veteran Stefon Diggs.
Before the injury, Aiyuk had established himself as a premier talent, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2023 after recording 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. Whether he can return to that level of production remains the primary question as he begins the process of finding a new home in the league.
