It sounds like the San Francisco 49ers will be without one of their top stars in tonight’s showdown with the New York Giants at Levi’s Stadium.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, star wideout Brandon Aiyuk “is not expected to play” as he continues to deal with a shoulder injury. The fourth-year wideout suffered the injury in the 49ers’ Week 2 road win over the Los Angeles Rams.
The fact that Aiyuk was listed as questionable certainly indicates that it won’t be a long-term injury. The 49ers are playing on a short week, but perhaps Aiyuk would have been available if their Week 3 contest took place on a Sunday or Monday.
San Francisco is aiming for their first 3-0 start since the 2019 season, when they went on to reach Super Bowl 54 (they lost 31-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs). The 49ers crushed the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-7 in Week 1 before taking down the Rams 30-23 at SoFi Stadium.
As for the Giants, they’re trying to improve to 2-1 following an incredible comeback road win against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon. The Giants erased a 21-point deficit and emerged victorious 31-28.
After hosting the Giants, Kyle Shanahan and company will enjoy an extended break before they welcome the NFC West rival Cardinals on Oct. 1 in Week 4. The Giants will return home for a Monday Night contest against the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 2.
