Brandon Aiyuk's injury made the 49ers' path to contention that much harder

As Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz noted, as brutal as the injury is for the wideout, it could have been worse.

Aiyuk entered training camp on an expiring contract and held out for a new deal. He signed a four-year, $120M extension on Aug. 29.

With a long recovery timeline, Aiyuk's injury could be a factor in 2025.

In the present, his absence increases the difficulty for the 49ers (3-4) in reaching the playoffs again this season.

San Francisco's situation is much different than in 2022 when a loss to Kansas City also dropped their record to 3-4.

That year, San Francisco had recently acquired running back Christian McCaffrey from the Panthers to bolster an offense with Aiyuk, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle.

McCaffrey (calf) has yet to play this season, making Aiyuk's injury even more damaging.

To make matters worse, Samuel was hospitalized while battling a case of pneumonia and fluid in his lungs and Kittle is day-to-day with a sprained foot.

Quarterback Brock Purdy has been average without his full repertoire of talented playmakers.

He's completing a career-low 63.9% of his passes, and his 4.2 touchdown rate is also his lowest in three seasons, while his interception rate (3.2%) is the highest.

Purdy has particularly struggled over his last four games, going 69-of-121 (57%) for 999 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions.

He had only his second career game with at least three interceptions in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs.

Aiyuk has been Purdy's favorite target since he became the team's starter late during the 2022 season, but he won't have his security blanket as he tries to dig San Francisco out of its hole.

Due to their mounting injuries, the Niners might already be standing in their grave.