49ers sign their 2025 rookie class, but star WR Brandon Aiyuk is questionable for Week 1 vs. Seattle. Get the latest on his injury and its impact. (July 2025)
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The ink is barely dry on the final rookie contract, but any sense of celebration in Santa Clara was quickly tempered by a harsh dose of reality. The 49ers officially have their entire 2025 draft class under contract, but they may be starting the season without one of their most explosive offensive weapons. The latest update on Brandon Aiyuk is the one fans feared, as the star receiver will miss all of training camp and is now considered questionable for the Week 1 opener in Seattle, with his absence potentially extending through the first half of the season.
Brandon Aiyuk is officially listed as questionable for Week 1 at Seattle and will miss training camp as well as the first half of the 2025 season.
Let's not sugarcoat it: the news on Brandon Aiyuk is a gut punch. Recovering from the devastating ACL and MCL tear he suffered last October has been an arduous process, and today's update confirms the severity of the challenge ahead. Missing training camp is one thing, but the prospect of him being sidelined for the first half of the season creates a massive hole in Kyle Shanahan's offense. Aiyuk is not just a deep threat; he's a complete receiver who moves the chains and commands defensive attention. His absence puts immense pressure on the rest of the receiving corps to step up against a tough opening slate, starting with a hostile environment in Seattle for Week 1.
Unfortunately, Aiyuk isn't the only Niner whose availability is in question. The injury bug seems to be lingering from last season. Safety Malik Mustapha, who flashed serious potential before his Week 17 knee injury, is also at risk of missing the start of the season. His hard-hitting presence in the secondary would be sorely missed. Adding to the concerns, quarterback Kurtis Rourke was placed on the active/non-football injury list with a knee issue of his own. While he's a developmental prospect, every roster spot is crucial, and these mounting injuries are a worrying trend as the team prepares to report for camp.
Amid the concerning injury reports, there was a significant piece of positive business. The 49ers locked up their final unsigned rookie, defensive tackle Alfred Collins. The No. 43 overall pick from Texas signed his four-year, $10.3 million deal, which includes over $9 million in guarantees. This officially puts a bow on the 2025 draft class. Collins is expected to be a key rotational piece on the defensive line immediately, bringing fresh legs and disruptive potential to the interior. Getting him signed and ready for camp is a crucial step in fortifying a defensive front that remains the heart and soul of this team.
So, where does this leave the 49ers? The signing of Alfred Collins solidifies the youth movement on defense, but the offense is facing a major early-season test. The coming weeks will be all about who steps up in Aiyuk's absence and how the team navigates these early health setbacks. As training camp looms, the narrative has shifted from championship aspirations to a story of resilience. The 49ers have the talent, but they'll need to prove their depth and grit right out of the gate.
