Brandon Aiyuk 'Desperately' Needs Bounce-Back Season

The San Francisco finished last in the NFC West this past season with a 6-11 record, and it was the first time since 2020 that they had miss the playoffs.

And it was due in no small part to injuries to their stars.

In a recent article by ESPN's Ben Solak, he puts together a list of things to know before the start of the 2025 season. One of the things he talks about are some players returning from injury, and one of the most notable he mentions is 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

"There were some near-misses and rust to start the season, but Aiyuk still looked like a great separator on film ... before a torn ACL and MCL in Week 7," Solak wrote. "With Deebo Samuel Sr. gone to the Commanders, Aiyuk desperately needs to return to form as a dominant WR1 after last year's face-plant of a season."

The star wideout appeared and started in just seven games in 2024. While he finished with 374 receiving yards, he had no touchdowns to speak of to go with those yards.

Likely guys to step up with Deebo Samuel gone are Jauan Jennings and sophomore receiver Ricky Pearsall, but Aiyuk needs to be the star. He is just two seasons removed from over 1,300 yards and seven touchdowns.

He needs to be that Brandon Aiyuk again in 2025.

Coming off of a season as disappointing as 2024, the 49ers will be looking to bounce back, and the veteran receiver will play a big factor in them being able to do that.