Brandon Aiyuk sets stage for awkward 49ers reunion amid reinstatement push

· California Post

The Brandon Aiyuk-San Francisco 49ers saga has taken another twist.

NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Aiyuk has filed the paperwork to be reinstated by the NFL on Wednesday.

Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the field during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Sept. 15, 2024. Getty Images

“Brandon is healthy and ready to get back on the field,” Aiyuk’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, was quoted saying in an X post from Schefter. The veteran wide receiver, who is currently on San Francisco’s Reserve/Left Squad list, will report to the 49ers’ training facility on Friday.

This news is significant because it shows Aiyuk’s eagerness to return to the football field. It’s also a 180-degree shift from comments he made over the summer.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) runs against the Los Angeles Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020. AP

“I will not be reinstating with them or ever doing any kind of business with [the 49ers]. I’m locked in and focused on my opportunity to return to the field this season,” Aiyuk said in a social media post back in July, per NBC.

Fast forward about four months and Aiyuk is doing the exact thing he said he would not.

It was easy to forget Aiyuk said this among all the other wild things he said on social media over the summer.

Now the stage is set for what’s sure to be an awkward return to the 49ers’ team facility on Friday.

Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the sideline before a game against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Getty Images

Perhaps San Francisco will consider adding Aiyuk to their active roster, given their injuries at the wide receiver position. Or perhaps that bridge will remain burnt.