A magnetic resonance confirmed on Monday the worst-case scenario for Brandon Aiyuk, star wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, who will miss the remainder of the 2024 NFL season due to a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee. 

Aiyuk will undergo further tests to rule out additional damage to the knee. Once all results are in, he will be scheduled for surgery. After the procedure, he will face a long recovery period ahead of the 2025 season.

The 26-year-old receiver sustained the injury last Sunday during the game in which the 49ers were defeated by the defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Aiyuk was injured in the final minute of the first half after catching a pass from Brock Purdy. As he attempted to gain more yards, he was hit by two defenders

Initially stopped by Trent McDuffie, Aiyuk was then struck in the thigh by Chamarri Conner as he tried to move forward. The hit caused his firmly planted right leg to twist awkwardly, bending his knee backward in a dramatic fashion. 

The receiver, a native of Rocklin, California, was a first-round pick in the 2020 Draft and is one of the key pieces in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Thanks to his stellar performance, he signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension last August.