Is Brandon Aiyuk playing tonight? Latest on 49ers WR for MNF showdown vs Jets

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was holding out of the team a few weeks ago due to contract disputes. There were doubts about whether he would play in Week 1 for the 49ers, and this raised concerns about how their offensive unit would function without him (and offensive lineman Trent Williams).

On August 29, however, reports circulated that Aiyuk would ink a four-year deal with the Niners that would pay him up to $120 million, placing him among the top five highest-paid receivers in the NFL. Let's examine below whether Aiyuk's officially announced contract extension has essentially ensured that he will play in the Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets.

Is Brandon Aiyuk playing today against the Jets?

Brandon Aiyuk will be back in the San Francisco 49ers lineup for today's regular-season opener against the New York Jets, having participated in four practices ahead of the game.

For the wide receiver, though, a mystery that remains is the number of snaps he will be allowed to play after missing nearly all of training camp and the preseason due to then-pending contract troubles.

Kyle Shanahan, the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, said to reporters on Saturday that he is unsure about Aiyuk's playing time against the Jets.

"I think he plays most of the game, usually, and I'd probably be surprised with that same amount against the Jets," Shanahan said. "But he's in good shape. He's had a really good week. His soreness hasn't been too big after each practice. He's pushed it real hard, done some stuff extra after. He looks good, and he's ready to go."

Aiyuk held out from the team during camp, but that did not prevent him from attending meetings; he just did not practice. However, to hone their chemistry before their game tonight, quarterback Brock Purdy and Aiyuk set up a private throwing session last weekend.

Elsewhere on the San Francisco 49ers' injury report for Week 1, two players have been declared out of the Monday Night Football game: linebacker Dee Winters (ankle) and defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (knee). Guard Aaron Banks (pinky) and star running back Christian McCaffrey are also listed as questionable.

How to watch San Francisco 49ers vs New York Jets on Monday Night Football

We are nearing the end of Week 1 of the NFL regular season, which began on Thursday. The New York Jets and Niners play on Monday night in San Francisco to round out the first week.

Monday night's 49ers vs Jets game is set to begin at 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Plus. The Monday Night Football game can also be seen on FuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, and DirecTV Stream.

During the game, you may switch to ESPN2 or ESPN Plus to watch the ManningCast, where brothers Peyton and Eli Manning will return to present an alternative broadcast with special guests stopping by to speak with the former NFL QBs.

All the information you need to watch the MNF game is below:

Date and Time: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 at 8:15 PM ET

Location: Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California

TV: ABC/ESPN

Announcers: Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (color analysis), Lisa Salters (Sideline reporter)