The San Francisco 49ers (7-4) head into their Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers (6-5) with injuries still defining the narrative. Their final report just ruled out kicker Eddy Piñeiro (right hamstring) and linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle). But surprisingly, despite his absence from the injury list, the spotlight shifted to 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk.

On November 23, NFL reporter Mike Garafolo reported that Brandon Aiyuk is close to being cleared to practice. And that’s not all, the good news is he also hinted that there’s still hope that the wideout can return this season.

“From @NFLGameDay Morning on the curious case of #49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk: The belief is he’s close to being cleared and can still work his way into being a Niner this year and beyond,” wrote Garafolo i

See Full Page