Lynch: Brandon Aiyuk will be a game-time decision for TNF
Sep 20, 2023, 10:34 AM | Updated: 11:09 am
Harry How/Getty Images
With less than 48 hours to go until Thursday Night Football, Brandon Aiyuk is being considered a game-time decision.
The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver is dealing with a shoulder injury sustained in Week 2’s win over the Los Angeles Rams. Falling on his shoulder awkwardly, the wideout was in and out of the 49ers’ lineup the rest of the day, seen in visible discomfort.
Only a few days later, Aiyuk has done enough to be in consideration for Thursday Night’s clash with the New York Giants. But the team won’t make that call until right before kickoff.
“He’s working really hard to try and get ready. With these Thursday night games, you take it all the way down [to kickoff],” general manager John Lynch said on KNBR Wednesday morning.
Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder) will be, as expected, a game-time decision for 49ers-Giants on TNF, per John Lynch on KNBR
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 20, 2023
If this was a normal week, Aiyuk’s injury wouldn’t keep him out of the lineup, especially after CT scans reportedly revealed no damage to his clavicle region.
But Week 3 isn’t that for the 49ers, having a quick turnaround to face a physical Giants team for their 2023 home opener. Because of that, the team won’t risk further injury for Brandon Aiyuk if he doesn’t feel comfortable on the field Thursday.
“Brandon’s working really hard. He’s a warrior,” Lynch continued. “You can see it in his play. He’s having fun, because everything’s starting to click for him. So I know he’s a guy who doesn’t want to miss [time], we clearly won’t put him out there if it’s not in his best interest, but I think that situation is very fluid.”
After having an estimated DNP for Monday, Aiyuk returned to practice Tuesday as a limited participant. That’s a step in the right direction for the coaching staff, waiting to see how he looks on gameday to make a final decision on his status.
Brandon Aiyuk was on hand for today’s practice — a half-speed session — as promised…. pic.twitter.com/6cK3mS3J6x
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 20, 2023
“Yeah, I think so,” coach Kyle Shanahan said about Brandon Aiyuk Tuesday. “Just that the trainers and him himself tell me that he can go.”
Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule
- Thursday, September 21st vs. New York Giants – 5:15 PM PST
- Sunday, October 1st vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:25 PM PST
- Sunday, October 8th vs. Dallas Cowboys – 5:20 PM PST
- Sunday, October 15th @ Cleveland Browns – 10:00 AM PST
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