The season-ending injury to Brandon Aiyuk dealt a significant blow to the San Francisco 49ers. Although Aiyuk hadn't yet made a significant impact since becoming one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL, those inside the organization felt confident he was on the verge of a breakout.
With Aiyuk out due to a torn ACL and MCL, many have speculated that the 49ers might explore trading for a wide receiver. However, one NFL insider isn't convinced that's likely.
"[Panthers WR] Diontae Johnson is someone who I know [49ers head coach] Kyle Shanahan likes, but looking at the roster, talking to sources informed of the situation, I'm not so sure they make a trade," Ian Rapoport said Sunday on NFL Network. "Yes, obviously, they are going to explore [options], but the 49ers really like the receivers they have on their roster.
"[WR] Rickey Pearsall is now playing. [WR] Deebo Samuel should be back today. [TE] George Kittle, dealing with an injury, he also should [play]. This may be a situation where the 49ers stick with what is already in their locker room."
From @NFLGameDay: The #49ers are weighing whether to make a WR trade, but Christian McCaffrey should be back after the bye to help; Plus, new #Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins makes his debut today. pic.twitter.com/3o97weomzF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 27, 2024
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings has been ruled out for Sunday night's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys but is expected to return to practice during the bye week.
Also expected to return to the practice field is running back Christian McCaffrey, who could be ready to suit up as early as Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, giving the 49ers offense a boost in the second half of the season.