The San Francisco 49ers continue to face a string of challenges, with the latest being the loss of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk sustained a torn ACL and MCL during the team’s 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, adding to a growing list of injuries that now includes over a dozen players.
Aiyuk is the latest All-Pro player to be sidelined for an extended period this season.
Running back Christian McCaffrey has yet to play this season, while safety Talanoa Hufanga was placed on injured reserve two weeks ago due to a wrist injury after appearing in just two games.
Adding to their woes, star receiver Deebo Samuel has been diagnosed with pneumonia, which casts doubt on his availability for the next few weeks.
With two of their top pass-catchers out, the 49ers are in dire need of reinforcements at wide receiver.
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports recently suggested a trade proposal that would have the 49ers acquiring Pro Bowl receiver Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers.
“Couple [Aiyuk’s] latest injury with running back Christian McCaffrey still sidelined, along with pass catchers Deebo Samuel and George Kittle getting dinged up at times this season, and San Francisco could use a jolt on offense,” Sullivan wrote.
“They are firmly in a Super Bowl window, so general manager John Lynch should be doing everything in his power to maximize this 2024 club. That now includes adding another receiver like Johnson to steady the ship for Brock Purdy.”
Johnson, acquired by the Panthers in an offseason trade along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick, has been their best receiver by a wide margin.
He leads the team in receptions (30), targets (58), yards (357), and touchdowns (3). He ranks eighth in the NFL in targets, 24th in receptions, and 27th in yards.
Without a significant replacement for Aiyuk, the 49ers are left with their No. 3, 4, and 5 receivers, assuming Jauan Jennings is healthy enough to return from a hip injury this week against the Dallas Cowboys.
Rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing have shown some promise but have combined for only five catches for 71 yards over seven games.
Adding a player of Johnson’s caliber would provide quarterback Brock Purdy with a reliable weapon in the passing game, helping the team stay afloat until Samuel is ready to resume a full-time role.
