49ers still in the dark over severity of Brandon Aiyuk injury

Brandon Aiyuk fought through a shoulder injury during the 49ers' Week 2 win over the Rams. Though he finished the game, the short turnaround for their Thursday Night Football game with the Giants puts his status for that primetime clash in some doubt. After the game, Shanahan said he did not believe Aiyuk's injury was […]

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Sep 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) runs the ball against Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones (53) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Aiyuk fought through a shoulder injury during the 49ers' Week 2 win over the Rams. Though he finished the game, the short turnaround for their Thursday Night Football game with the Giants puts his status for that primetime clash in some doubt.

After the game, Shanahan said he did not believe Aiyuk's injury was serious.

But he was unable to provide any further update during Monday's conference call with reporters.

It was the same story with cornerback Ambry Thomas, who suffered a knee injury.

Starting cornerback Deommodore Lenoir cleared concussion protocol during the game, but needs to pass one more test to be cleared to face the Giants.

Lenoir had a key fourth-quarter interception against the Rams. He has been switching between his usual spot on the outside and the nickel corner role in both of the 49ers' opening two games. On true passing downs, Thomas has often served as the starting outside corner across from Charvarius Ward with Lenoir in the slot.

However, Thomas' injury may necessitate the 49ers sticking with Isaiah Oliver at nickel corner, something they are likely to be happier to do after his standout Week 2 showing.

Aiyuk was held to three catches for 43 yards on Sunday in part because of his injury. In Week 1, he was the NFC Offensive Player of the Week with eight catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns in the blowout win over the Steelers.

Featured Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports