The San Francisco 49ers’ injury woes continue to mount. In their 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, they lost wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a torn ACL and MCL. This adds to a growing list of injured players, which is now in the mid-teens.
Aiyuk joins other key players sidelined this season, including running back Christian McCaffrey, who has yet to play, and safety Talanoa Hufanga, who was placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury after two games. Star wide receiver Deebo Samuel has also been diagnosed with pneumonia, leaving his availability for the next few weeks uncertain.
With two top receivers out, the 49ers are in need of help at the wide receiver position. CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan recently suggested a trade for Pro Bowl wide receiver Dionate Johnson from the Carolina Panthers to strengthen their offense.
Sullivan noted that San Francisco, with a roster capable of contending for a Super Bowl, could use an offensive boost. With McCaffrey still out and both Samuel and tight end George Kittle dealing with injuries, acquiring Johnson could help stabilize the offense for quarterback Brock Purdy.
Johnson, acquired by the Panthers in an offseason trade, has been their standout receiver. He leads the team in receptions (30), targets (58), yards (357), and touchdowns (3), and ranks among the top 30 in the NFL in these categories.
Without a significant replacement for Aiyuk, the 49ers are left with their No. 3, 4, and 5 receivers. While rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing have shown some potential, they only have five combined catches for 71 yards in seven games. Adding a player like Johnson would give Purdy a reliable target in the passing game until Samuel can return to full strength.
