The San Francisco 49ers are facing a potential reshuffling of their wide receiver strategy in the upcoming NFL draft following Brandon Aiyuk's recent injury update. Reports indicate that Aiyuk, who is recovering from an ACL tear with additional knee damage, might not make his return until mid-season, raising concerns about his ability to perform at a high level immediately upon return. As a result, the 49ers may need to prioritize acquiring a new wide receiver earlier than expected in the 2025 draft.

The current depth chart lacks experience without Aiyuk, with players like Jauan Jennings showing promise but others like Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, and DeMarcus Robinson remaining as unproven options. Even if Aiyuk returns to the field, the 49ers are likely to seek a wide receiver in the draft to bolster their roster. However, the team is cautious about selecting a wide receiver too high given their other pressing needs, suggesting that a Day 2 pick could be more feasible.