SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The San Francisco 49ers closed the 2024 season as one of the teams most affected by injuries in the league. Although they are recovering key players, they will start training camp with several important figures still in the recovery process.
The team, which will bring the entire squad together on Tuesday, announced on Friday that six players will begin training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and two more on the non-football injury (NFI) list.
Players on the PUP list
The 49ers will especially feel the absences at the wide receiver position, where Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Ricky Pearsall, who missed most of the team’s activities due to a hamstring injury, will not be immediately available.
Pearsall’s situation indicates a setback, as coach Kyle Shanahan had stated that the second-year receiver would be ready for the start of training camp.
Aiyuk, for his part, is still recovering from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear suffered in Week 7. His participation at the start of the regular season is uncertain.
Offensive lineman Andre Dillard (ankle), defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos, safety Malik Mustapha, and linebacker Curtis Robinson, all with knee issues, were also placed on the PUP list. Shanahan had anticipated the return of Gross-Matos and Dillard for the start of camp in June.
Players on the NFI list
On the other hand, offensive lineman Ben Bartch and safety George Odum will start the field on the NFI list.
Players who begin training camp on the active PUP or NFI list count towards the 90-player roster, but can be activated at any time and participate in team meetings during their recovery.
