49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk reportedly out for Thursday night game vs. Giants

The San Francisco 49ers will most likely have to play their home opener without one of their key offensive weapons.

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is not expected to play in Thursday’s game against the New York Giants because of a shoulder injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Concern about Aiyuk’s shoulder began Sunday during the 49ers’ win against the Rams when the wide receiver was slow to get up twice after getting tackled and landing on that part of his body. Head coach Kyle Shanahan later told reporters Monday that the injury came on Aiyuk’s first catch, indicating that he tried to tough out the rest of the game while hurt.

The Niners have not officially ruled out the receiver for Thursday, but that’s because they don’t have to until just before game time. Shanahan confirmed Wednesday that Aiyuk was trending in the right direction but didn’t provide much detail beyond that. Aiyuk was limited for practice that same day.

General manager John Lynch also danced around whether Aiyuk would play Thursday during a radio spot on KNBR. 

“I think with Brandon, with the Thursday night games, they’re quick turnarounds,” Lynch said. “So he’s clearly got something irritated in his chest, shoulder area. He’s working really hard to try to get ready. And with these Thursday night games, you take it all the way down there. You don’t have to make your inactives until on Thursday.”

“We clearly won’t put them out there if it’s not in his best interest, but I think that situation is very fluid,” the general manager later added.

Aiyuk had an incredible start to his contract year this season. He racked up 129 yards on eight catches and caught two touchdowns in the 30-7 thrashing of the Steelers in Week 1. The shoulder injury he picked up early in Week 2 limited him to just 43 yards on three catches. He’s still ranked 12th in the league in receiving yards despite playing only one game fully healthy.