The San Francisco 49ers managed to dismantle the New York Giants last week without the services of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in their 30-12 win on Thursday Night Football.
If Aiyuk can return to the field in Week 4, is he a must-start for your fantasy football team? Let’s take a closer look.
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Latest Injury News Surrounding Brandon Aiyuk
Fantasy managers who had to go without Aiyuk in their lineup in Week 3 got some encouraging news from the first 49ers practice heading into their matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
#49ers practice report:
DNP
LB Dre Greenlaw (ankle)
WR Jauan Jennings (shin)
WR Deebo Samuel (ribs, knee)
T Trent Williams (not injury related – resting player)Limited
WR Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder)
CB Ambry Thomas (knee)— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 27, 2023
Aiyuk was on the practice field as a limited participant, while fellow starting wide receiver — Deebo Samuel — was listed as a DNP due to ribs and knee injury.
Will Aiyuk Play This Week?
The fact that Aiyuk was a game-time decision for Thursday Night Football in Week 3 and was a participant in practice to start the week heading into their matchup against the Cardinals bodes very well for his availability on Sunday.
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Obviously, you will want to continue to monitor Aiyuk’s practice participation throughout the week. Yet, if he continues to practice as the week progresses, we should expect he will suit against Arizona.
What Does This Mean for Aiyuk’s Fantasy Ranking?
Aiyuk was already considered a fringe top-25 option at the wide receiver position with Deebo in the lineup. When you see how much more work Samuel and George Kittle got with Aiyuk out of the equation in Week 3, Aiyuk would likely jump into the top 15 in my weekly rankings at the wide receiver position if Deebo is unable to go in Week 4.
If Samuel and Aiyuk are both in the lineup for Week 4, then the latter comfortably slots in as a reliable WR2 in your fantasy lineup with plenty of room for upside against the Cardinals.
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