Brandon Aiyuk has filed paperwork to be reinstated and intends to report to the San Francisco 49ers training facility.

The 49ers are currently on a bye week after losing their first game of the season to the Atlanta Falcons. While the franchise stormed to the top of the NFC West with a 6-1 record through seven weeks, injuries have steadily built up, particularly on offense.

The return of Aiyuk is a stunning yet timely development. The former Second-Team All-Pro has applied for reinstatement and to make a stunning return to the NFL over two years after his last appearance in the league.

“Brandon is healthy and ready to get back on the field,” Drew Rosenhaus, who became Aiyuk’s agent on Monday, said on Wednesday. The 28-year-old - who is on San Francisco’s reserve/did not report list - intends to report to the 49ers' training facility later this week.

Aiyuk has not played in the NFL since Oct. 20, 2024, when he tore the ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee against the Kansas City Chiefs.

However, his relationship with the 49ers has been up and down since.

In July 2025, the 49ers voided approximately $27 million in guaranteed money on Aiyuk’s contract because the team deemed that the receiver did not do the requisite rehab sessions and check-ins during that offseason. When Aiyuk did not report for training camp, he was dropped to the reserve/did not report list.

Aiyuk has also been a trade target in the past. San Francisco tried to deal him, and the receiver implied on several occasions that he wanted to join the Washington Commanders to play alongside Jayden Daniels, the quarterback who threw him touchdowns at Arizona State.

However, even if Aiyuk is reinstated, he will likely be dealt by the 49ers.

Both 49ers general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan have suggested Aiyuk’s time in the Bay Area is over, so a move could be made before the trade deadline on Tuesday.

The Commanders may be an option, but the NFC East franchise has already signed veteran Stefon Diggs alongside other wideouts.

It’s also unclear what kind of package Aiyuk would command given the length of his absence. The former first-round pick had emerged as one of the NFL’s most productive and exciting downfield receivers; Aiyuk tallied 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023.

The 6-1 49ers return to action against the 4-4 Las Vegas Raiders at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 8. Aiyuk won’t be on the field, but he may be back in the NFL by then.