NFL

San Francisco 49ers Reinstate Brandon Aiyuk Following Physical

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 10, 2026, 04:11 IST

The NFL has reinstated San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk after he completed a physical. The team now has a two-game roster exemption to determine his future before the upcoming trade deadline.

San Francisco 49ers Reinstate Brandon Aiyuk Following Physical

The National Football League officially reinstated San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on Monday. The move followed the player's successful completion of a physical examination, as confirmed by the league's official transaction wire. This development marks a significant step in the receiver's return to the professional fold after being sidelined on the reserve/left squad list since December.

To facilitate the transition, the 49ers have been granted a two-game roster exemption. This period allows the organization to manage remaining administrative matters regarding Aiyuk's status. The exemption is set to expire on Monday, November 23, immediately following the team's Week 11 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Mexico City.

A Path to Reinstatement and Uncertain Future

Aiyuk’s path to reinstatement gained momentum in late October when he filed the necessary paperwork and secured representation from agent Drew Rosenhaus. The process culminated in a 75-minute meeting between the player, his agent, and 49ers management at the team's business offices last Friday. Prior to the meeting, Aiyuk expressed confidence in his physical condition, noting that he had fully recovered from the ACL, MCL, and meniscus tears in his right knee sustained on October 20, 2024. He described the rehabilitation as a long process but confirmed he was back to 100% health.

With the reinstatement now complete, the 49ers face a critical decision regarding the receiver's immediate future. The organization holds three primary options: releasing the player, executing a trade, or adding him to the active 53-man roster. While a trade has historically been the team's preferred outcome, they have yet to secure a partner, and the league's trade deadline is fast approaching on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Head coach Kyle Shanahan offered a blunt assessment of the situation on Friday, suggesting that the team's internal focus has moved past the Aiyuk saga, stating that the matter has been effectively over for the squad for a significant duration.