George Kittle Opens Up on Brandon Aiyuk’s Absence: “I Just Try Not to Think About It”
In a season filled with high expectations and playoff urgency, one of the 49ers’ most dynamic weapons remains on the sideline - and possibly out of the picture altogether. Brandon Aiyuk’s ongoing absence from the team has left a noticeable void, not just on the field, but in the locker room as well. And few feel that more than George Kittle.
The All-Pro tight end didn’t sugarcoat it when asked about Aiyuk’s situation following Friday’s practice. His response was raw, emotional, and very human.
“At this point, it doesn't seem like he's coming back,” Kittle said. “I try my best to not even think about it because I love Brandon; he's one of my favorite teammates I've played with.”
That bond between the two offensive stars was forged over years of shared battles - from Aiyuk’s rookie year to now, the duo has built chemistry, trust, and a pile of highlight-reel plays. But with Aiyuk still sidelined and his future with the team in serious doubt, Kittle is doing what he can to stay focused on the task at hand.
“We have a lot of moments together… every year we've played together, we have a ton of memories. That's the Brandon I remember,” Kittle continued. “So if I think about the 'I wish he'd be here,' it kind of just makes me sad, so I just push it to the side.”
Kittle isn’t alone in that sentiment. Quarterback Brock Purdy also recently weighed in, calling the situation “tough” and expressing his own admiration for Aiyuk. It’s clear that No. 11 still has strong support inside the locker room - even if his status with the front office is far less certain.
What Went Wrong?
The rift between Aiyuk and the 49ers became public when the team voided the remaining guaranteed money in his contract during training camp. According to the terms of the deal, the team had the right to pull the 2026 option bonus - a hefty $24.935 million - if Aiyuk failed to report on time or participate in required meetings and activities. That’s exactly what happened, per the team’s account.
General manager John Lynch addressed the issue head-on during an appearance on 49ers Game Plan, saying the organization felt like it had no choice after Aiyuk failed to meet team expectations.
Earlier this month, Lynch was asked on KNBR’s Murph & Markus whether he had a “realistic belief” that Aiyuk would play at all this season. His response? Cautiously hopeful at best.
“Realistic - I’m not sure,” Lynch said. “Hopeful - yeah. I think that’s where I leave that…”
A Long Road Back
Aiyuk’s absence isn’t just about contract disputes or team policy. It’s also about health.
The wide receiver suffered a serious knee injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season against the Kansas City Chiefs and underwent surgery the following month. More than a year later, he remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
There’s been no official update on when - or if - Aiyuk will return to action. And with the season entering its final stretch, the window for a comeback is narrowing quickly.
From a football standpoint, there’s no denying what Aiyuk brings to the table when healthy. His route running, explosiveness, and ability to stretch the field make him a nightmare for defenses and a key piece in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. But right now, that version of Aiyuk feels like a distant memory.
Moving Forward Without Him
For Kittle, the emotional weight of Aiyuk’s absence is real. But so is the responsibility of leading a team with championship aspirations.
“Look, we got to make do with what we got in the locker room,” Kittle said. “And the guys that are here want to be here.
I don't know what that relationship is like right now. It is what it is.
I just got to focus on this team.”
That’s the mindset the 49ers are leaning into as they gear up for the postseason - eyes forward, no distractions. Still, it’s clear that the door hasn’t completely closed on Aiyuk’s time in San Francisco. Whether that door reopens depends on a lot of factors - health, communication, and perhaps some healing on both sides.
But for now, the 49ers are moving forward without one of their most electric playmakers. And for players like George Kittle, that reality still stings.
“I love Brandon… it kind of just makes me sad.”