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Brandon Aiyuk, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, has applied for reinstatement from the team's "left-team" list and plans to report to the team on Friday. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed that Aiyuk is "healthy and ready to get back on the field," as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Aiyuk, who has not played since suffering a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in October 2024, has been on the reserve/left squad list since last December. The 49ers voided approximately $27 million in guaranteed money from his contract in July 2025 due to disagreements over his rehab approach, according to Pro Football Rumors.
Despite his efforts to return, 49ers General Manager John Lynch has stated that Aiyuk will not play for the team again. The 49ers are expected to release him upon his arrival, given the breakdown in their relationship and his public criticism of the team on social media. Aiyuk has expressed interest in joining the Washington Commanders, where he could reunite with former teammate Jayden Daniels, but no trade has materialized.
If released, the 49ers would gain $5.09 million in cap space but incur $7.36 million in dead money. The team, currently 6-1 and leading the NFC, is unlikely to reintegrate Aiyuk, preferring to focus on potential trades for other receivers, as noted by Niners Wire.