Brandon Aiyuk has a volume problem

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk is coming off a top-25 finish among WRs in fantasy points per game and has had an impressive offseason by all accounts. But his target volume is a concern heading into 2023. Aiyuk drew a 22.0% target share last year -- 32nd among WRs. But that dipped to 20.1% in 14 games with a healthy WR Deebo Samuel. Aiyuk saw just 17.9% of 49ers targets in seven games with Samuel and RB Christian McCaffrey. Samuel, McCaffrey, and TE George Kittle are back this year. And San Francisco figures to remain a run-leaning offense regardless of who's playing QB. That has Aiyuk sitting a bit lower in the WR Rankings than his talent would dictate.

Niners WR Brandon Aiyuk tallied 5 receptions for 109 yards in Sunday's loss to the Bengals. His 9 targets ranked second on the team, while he accounted for 29.9% of the team's receiving yards. It was Aiyuk's third game of the season with 100+ yards. The 9 targets were his second-most this season. We'll see whether WR Deebo Samuel can get back onto the field after the Week 9 bye and how that affects target shares.

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder) is not listed on the final Week 4 injury report. He put in a full practice on Friday and seems ready to play his usual role vs. the Cardinals this weekend. With WR Deebo Samuel banged up, Aiyuk should be in for plenty of volume.

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder) remained limited in Thursday's practice but was out of his non-contact jersey, according to The Athletic's David Lombardi. Aiyuk is trending toward returning for this weekend's game vs. the Cardinals. We'll see how he's listed on the final injury report tomorrow.

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday's practice. He was seemingly close to playing last Thursday night, so we're tentatively expecting him back for this weekend's game vs. the Cardinals.

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder) is officially inactive for tonight's game vs. the Giants. He seemed relatively close to playing tonight, so we're tentatively expecting him back for Week 4. Aiyuk's absence should make San Francisco's offense even more concentrated, with RB Christian McCaffrey, WR Deebo Samuel, and TE George Kittle dominating touches.