Brandon Aiyuk files for reinstatement and plans to report to the 49ers Friday

Brandon Aiyuk has filed paperwork to be reinstated, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN on Wednesday, and the receiver plans to report to the San Francisco 49ers' facility Friday afternoon. The Athletic's Ben Standig also reported the filing.

"Brandon is healthy and ready to get back on the field," Rosenhaus said.

Aiyuk, 28, is on the 49ers' reserve/did not report list, which means he isn't being paid and doesn't count against the roster. Filing for reinstatement is the first step. After that, San Francisco has to decide what to do with his rights.

How it got this ugly

Aiyuk hasn't played since Oct. 20, 2024, when he tore the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee against Kansas City. In July 2025 the 49ers voided roughly $27 million in guaranteed money because, they said, he skipped required rehab sessions and check-ins. He stopped showing up at the facility last December, landed on the reserve/left squad list, and moved to the did-not-report list when he skipped camp this July.

Over the summer he went after the team on social media, said he wouldn't "do business" with the 49ers and hinted that he wanted to play in Washington with his Arizona State friend Jayden Daniels. When Kyle Shanahan was asked in September about a reunion, despite injuries at receiver, his answer was "no."

Release is the likely end

San Francisco has tried and failed to trade Aiyuk before. ESPN reports that if he's reinstated, a release is the more likely outcome, and GM John Lynch and Shanahan have said repeatedly he has played his last snap for them. Washington may not be the landing spot he wanted anymore after the Commanders signed Stefon Diggs.

Before the injury, Aiyuk was one of the league's best receivers. He caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023 and made second-team All-Pro.

What to watch

The trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Friday's report date and how fast the league processes the reinstatement will decide whether the 49ers try one more trade call or simply let him go.