How the 49ers can overcome Brandon Aiyuk's injury and fill the gap at wide receiver – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

SANTA CLARA – The 49ers offense will likely be without Brandon Aiyuk for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season amid concerns that the wideout will become injured in San Francisco's 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Levi's Stadium suffered a cruciate ligament injury.

“We're worried it's a torn ACL,” coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game. “Not confirmed yet, but we'll find out for sure tomorrow.”

Aiyuk's injury, which he suffered late in the first half, is a blow to the 49ers' wide receiver group, which was considered the deepest position on the roster. Now Shanahan will rely on the reinforcements of other players to get his offense back on track.

But it's not time for the 49ers to look outside the building to expand the group, at least not yet.

In the past, Deebo Samuel has been a receiver that Shanahan has leaned on to carry the offensive load, but on Sunday morning the wide receiver was struck down by an illness that he initially tried to cover up.

Samuel was on the field at the start of warmups but did not return for pregame drills. The All-Pro eventually came onto the field and attempted to play, but couldn't catch his breath, left the field a few minutes before halftime and did not return to the game.

In the week leading up to the game, Samuel was dealing with a wrist injury that limited him at practice, but he was no longer on the 49ers' injury report on Friday. The talented wide receiver will most likely be able to play next Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

The 49ers' offense was already without Jauan Jennings, who is still dealing with a hip injury he suffered in their Week 6 win at Seattle. Shanahan doesn't believe the Tennessee product's injury is long-term and hopes to have the third-down specialist back in time for Week 8.

Without the 49ers' top three wide receivers on the field, rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing, along with Ronnie Bell and veteran Chris Conley, saw extended playing time in the second half.

The first-round draft pick's return couldn't have come at a better time. After playing only 17 offensive snaps in the first half of the game, Pearsall played a more prominent role in the second half and was on the field for almost all offensive snaps.

While the rookie's stats are modest, catching three of his five targets for 21 yards, Shanahan Pearsall will likely be even more integrated into the offense if Aiyuk does indeed miss the rest of the season. The Florida product is an accomplished route runner and could take on more responsibility.

The offense could also turn to Cowing, who is undeniably quick and can stretch the field. The rookie caught two of his three targets for 50 yards on Sunday – with one catch on a deep go route for 41 yards.

While the 49ers offense lost one of its greatest playmakers, there are still capable players on the team. But if San Francisco suffers another major injury, it might be necessary to look elsewhere before the NFL trade deadline on November 5th.

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