The 49ers got the absolute worst case scenario for their top wide receiver. Not only did Brandon Aiyuk suffer a torn ACL as was feared, but he also tore his MCL and may have suffered "additional damage" by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
It is devastating news for Aiyuk and the 49ers in a season that feels like it is hanging on by a thread. Ricky Pearsall will likely be asked to step up in a massive way for San Francisco at Aiyuk's X (split end) spot. Chris Conley will likely see an increased role, too.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the ACL and MCL tears Monday morning. He also provided a number of other injury updates, with a could of lingering questions at wide receiver.
Shanahan said that Deebo Samuel, who was scratched mid-game with an illness, had to be hospitalized for fluid in his lungs. The diagnosis, "technically," was pneumonia. The 49ers do not know whether he or Jauan Jennings (hip) will be able to play this week against the Cowboys.
Also injured was wide receiver Chris Conley with an ankle sprain... and George Kittle, who sprained his foot. Both are day-to-day, but it means that the young group of wide receivers in Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing and, yes, even Ronnie Bell, "should have a lot more coming," given the injury situation.
A couple of long-term non-update updates were also provided on Christian McCaffrey and Dre Greenlaw.
Shanahan said that McCaffrey has had "no setbacks" and indicated the 49ers are targeting the bye week to bring him back into the fold. Greenlaw doesn't sound close.
"Everything's still going fine, but no time soon right now," Shanahan said on Greenlaw.