49ers receive two-game roster exemption after Brandon Aiyuk’s NFL reinstatement

The NFL reinstated San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk from the reserve/left squad list, according to the SF Standard. Commissioner Roger Goodell granted the 49ers a two-game roster exemption, allowing the team to delay a roster decision on Aiyuk until November 23.

Aiyuk has not played in the NFL since tearing knee ligaments in October 2024 and has not been added to the 49ers’ 53-man roster. The source mentions the 49ers signed him to a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024.

Despite the reinstatement and roster exemption, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said the move "means absolutely nothing" to the team, calling it "a lot of administrative stuff."

The 49ers could trade Aiyuk before the trade deadline on Tuesday at 1 p.m. PT, but a trade appears unlikely because Aiyuk has not played in 25 months and his health status remains uncertain.

The NFL granted the 49ers a two-game roster exemption, which delays the need to make a roster decision on Aiyuk until November 23.