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Nick Wagoner, ESPN Staff Editor
SANTA CLARA, California – Less than 24 hours after wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk injured his right knee against the Kansas Town Chiefs, the San Francisco 49ers got the bad news they were waiting for.
Aiyuk tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee, which would require surgery and end his 2024 season in just seven games, guardian Kyle Shanahan announced Monday.
What’s more, the condition that limited receiver Deebo Samuel to four plays against the Chiefs is technically a case of pneumonia, according to Shanahan. Samuel has a buildup of fluid in his lungs and will be checked at a local clinic on Sunday night.
“I think he started showing up in the middle of the night on Saturday or early Sunday morning and then evolved as the day went on,” Shanahan said of Samuel. “Once we found out he had fluid in his lungs and stuff after the game, I think they sent him there.”
Shanahan said it’s unknown when Samuel will return, although that will presumably be explained in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Aiyuk is not expected to return this season. Additional evaluations Monday showed what Shanahan expected Sunday night. Closer to a 28-18 home loss to the Chiefs, Shanahan said all signs pointed toward a torn ACL, but that a better look was still needed and that the Niners were “praying” they were wrong. They weren’t.
Aiyuk’s surprise came with 48 seconds left in the second quarter. Quarterback Brock Purdy made a pass to Aiyuk between Kansas Town defensive backs Chamarri Conner and Trent McDuffie for a 15-yard gain. As Conner and McDuffie converged on Aiyuk, his knee appeared to hyperextend.
The Niners science team immediately rushed to the field to tend to Aiyuk, who remained ill for a few minutes before slowly limping toward the bench and the blue science tent. Once they rushed him in a cart to the warehouse.
Aiyuk had two catches for 23 yards at the time of the shock, which came amid a slow start to the season. Once his season is over, Aiyuk will fail to reach 1,000 receiving yards for the third consecutive year. He had 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns in the extreme season en route to a second-team All-Pro nod.
“I talked to him last night, just called him at home,” Shanahan said. “He was hurt, just down, exactly as you’d expect. But he’s a strong, spiritual guy and he believes everything happens for a reason, so he’ll be fine. But he was definitely a little down last night, and I was just telling him how bad it was.” I felt for him and let him know that we are all here for him through all of this.”
The Niners signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million extension in August after a lengthy guarantee dispute. He finishes this season with 25 receptions for 374 yards and denial rates.
Aiyuk’s setback is the latest in a growing list of key 49ers injuries. Running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles tendinitis), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (torn Achilles tendon), defensive back Javon Hargrave (torn triceps) and defensive back Talanoa Hufanga (torn ligaments in wrist) are some of the others who They ignore a significant amount of age.
“He sucks,” outlet Jake Brendel said of Aiyuk on Sunday. “Any injury like that to one of your weapons on offense or defense, it just sucks. I feel like, as a roster, we just have to respond. Whoever’s next on the roster needs to step up and make sure there’s not an issue.” “. setback in offensive productivity.”
With Aiyuk lost for the season, the 49ers hope to get Samuel and fellow receiver Jauan Jennings back for Sunday night’s matchup against the visiting Dallas Cowboys. Jennings did not play in games against Kansas Town due to a hip shock suffered in an October 10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
If they don’t get Samuel and Jennings, or either of them, for the Dallas game, the Niners would once again have to turn to a deep roster that includes rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing, second-year player Ronnie Bell and veteran Chris Conley, who could also be day to day with an ankle injury.
“He was hurt, just down, exactly as you’d expect. But he’s a strong, spiritual guy and he believes everything happens for a reason, so he’ll be fine. But he was definitely a little down last night, and I was just telling him how bad it was.” I felt for him and let him know that we are all here for him through all of this.”
49ers tutor Kyle Shanahan on his conversation with WR Brandon Aiyuk
“With Jauan and Deebo, I’m not sure if we’ll get them back this week or not,” Shanahan said. “So, it was a good start for those guys, and they should have a lot more ahead of them.”
Tight end George Kittle, who took much of the pass-catching duties against the Chiefs with six receptions for 92 yards, may also be day to day with a sprained foot.
Elsewhere on the surprise front, Shanahan said the Niners don’t expect to get McCaffrey, Greenlaw or kicker Jake Moody back at this point, either.
“Christian is still progressing in his rehabilitation,” Shanahan said. “He hasn’t had any setbacks, so it’s all been good news so far. I’d be surprised to have him back this week, but I’m hoping the bye week goes well and he has a much better chance right after the bye week.” “.
Shanahan indicated that Moody could also return at the next 9 o’clock break, but that Greenlaw will be a little longer.
