Kyle Shanahan had a limited update on Brandon Aiyuk's return from his knee injury

It's still unclear when wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will return for the San Francisco 49ers.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan had a limited update after Tuesday's mandatory minicamp practice. Aiyuk was in attendance, but not working with the team as he continues his recovery from a knee injury in October that ended his 2024 campaign early.

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While a specific timeline for return would be preferable, Shanahan's no-news update is good news for now.

“He is making his way back," Shanahan said. "He's still in the middle of it, so he's working through that. He's been around, he's been rehabbing for the most part, but he's been out to some practices. It was good to have him out today.”

Aiyuk's health is a key factor in the ceiling for San Francisco's offense this season. He struggled out of the gate last year after a prolonged contract standoff pushed him out of virtually the entire preseason, but he remains the 49ers' best wide receiver when he's healthy.

It wouldn't be a huge surprise if he missed most or all of camp this year. At this point just getting him fully healthy and on the field has to be the No. 1 goal for the 49ers' training staff. It would be a pretty significant win if the 49ers can get him back at a point during the season where he can ramp up and be something near full strength for a playoff run.