The San Francisco 49ers faced a significant injury setback over the weekend when they lost starting wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for the season due to a knee injury sustained during their game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ian Rapoport from NFL Network announced the news on October 21, stating that Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL, with potential additional damage indicated by sources following an MRI. He confirmed that Aiyuk’s season is over, leaving him with a long recovery process ahead for 2025. This diagnosis aligns with what head coach Kyle Shanahan and the team suspected after the game.
San Francisco’s roster, which is already expensive, has been further weakened by injuries to Aiyuk, running back Christian McCaffrey—who has yet to play in the regular season this year—and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who also missed most of Sunday’s game due to illness.
Quarterback Brock Purdy struggled without his key players, throwing for only 212 yards and three interceptions in a 10-point defeat to Kansas City. The team, now holding a 3-4 record and trailing in the NFC West Division, must find a replacement for Aiyuk to help them get back to the playoffs.
Fortunately, with two weeks left before the NFL’s trade deadline on November 5, several quality receivers may be available. One notable option is five-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins of the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans are currently 1-5 and struggling at quarterback, and with Hopkins in the final year of his $26 million contract, he is likely to leave Tennessee in free agency next March. This situation makes him a strong trade candidate for the 49ers, who need immediate offensive support.
Hopkins missed the last few series during the Titans’ heavy loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, although head coach Brian Callahan attributed this to lower leg soreness. A potential injury could complicate a trade for Hopkins, but if healthy, he could be a valuable asset for several teams, including the 49ers and the Chiefs, who faced each other in last February’s Super Bowl.
Last season, Hopkins recorded 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns.
